Major Gift Officer – Mike Ilitch School of Business

Major Gift Officer – Mike Ilitch School of Business

Location: Detroit, MI, US · Posted: 7/10/2026 · Reference: 3471

JOB PURPOSE Support and participate in fundraising efforts, strategies and initiatives for the Mike Ilitch School of Business (MISB). Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve ambitious fundraising and contact goals annually. Cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget. This position reports to the Senior Director, Major Gifts – Mike Ilitch School of Business. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.) Collaborate with Senior Director, Dean, Chairs and Faculty in identifying fundraising needs and priorities for the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Implement major gift fundraising plans and strategies; establish realistic and achievable timelines; remain current with fundraising trends and serve as a resource on successful development activities, techniques and methods. Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve ambitious fundraising and contact goals annually. Establish and implement prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies with a particular focus on securing commitments of $25,000+. Engage division leadership and school/college/unit-based colleagues as appropriate to support prospect strategies. Responsible for achieving annual fundraising goal and assisting in meeting unit and division goals; allocating and prioritizing time and resources to achieve the greatest return on investment. Performance and productivity will be measured on the following core metrics as determined annually: Dollars raised for campaign gift commitments Number of major gift solicitations of $25,000+ Number of major gift closures at $25,000+ Number of face-to-face prospect and donor meetings (in-person and virtual visits) Number of meaningful, significant contacts each month Collaborate with other Development units (e.g. University-wide Philanthropy, Donor Experience, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations, Data Services, and Prospect Development) as well as other university units to ensure operational efficiencies within the unit. 15% Draft and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from simple to moderate complexity. Ensure timely routing of donor contributions to central development for processing. Perform other related duties as assigned.