Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts - University of Michigan Museum of Art (3/12/2021)

Salary Range: $60,000-75,000 

About UMMA

Under the leadership of Museum Director Christina Olsen, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is in the midst of a dynamic and creative transformation. With a renewed focus on anti-racism and social justice issues, nationally important exhibitions and research, and an expansion of strategic institutional and artistic partnerships, UMMA is building an international profile and a broad and diverse public both within and far beyond the boundaries of our campus. Founded in 1946, UMMA is free and fully accessible to the public, and welcomes more than 240,000 visitors every year through exhibitions and a broad portfolio of public programs.

We are seeking applicants who are committed to building diversity in our sector, which is expressed in myriad forms, including race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, (dis)ability status, and political perspective. When you join UMMA, you can expect to be part of an innovative team that views the Museum as a vital space for exploring contemporary social issues, building community and equity, and celebrating artistic expression and achievement. During this exciting moment of transformation, we seek staff who thrive in settings that foster creative, cross-organizational collaboration. In deciding whether to apply for a position at UMMA, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our “Commitment to Anti-Racist Action and a More Inclusive Museum.”  

For full consideration please provide a resume with a cover letter, describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position requirements. Please apply online at careers.umich.edu.

Position Summary:

UMMA seeks an experienced, dynamic development professional to play an integral role in advancing the fundraising priorities of the Museum. Reporting to the Deputy Director for Advancement and Chief Strategy Officer, the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts is responsible for managing relationships with individual donor prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more. Working collaboratively with the UMMA Development team, curators, public experience and learning staff, and volunteers, he/she/they will be a key partner in achieving fundraising goals for existing and emerging initiatives at UMMA. The Associate Director, Major Gifts will initially focus his/her/their work with donors in southeast Michigan and the New York/New Jersey regions, with expansion to other regions possible as the prospect base grows. Travel is required, as is periodic evening and weekend work. Candidates under-represented in the museum and/or development fields are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising plan to increase philanthropic support for UMMA in southeast Michigan and NY/NJ. The multi-year plan will consist of systematic, appropriate, and effective identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies for both major and planned gift prospects.
·         Partnering with the Deputy Director for Advancement and Chief Strategy Officer, university fundraising colleagues, UMMA staff, and donor volunteers, develop a strategy to diversify UMMA’s donor base.
·         Maintain a portfolio of approximately 125 major and planned gift prospects, developing relationships and engagement that ultimately lead to gift closures.
·         Conduct approximately 90 face-to-face visits with prospects and donors per year. Lead and/or participate in at least 15 major gift solicitations annually.
·         Successfully engage, cultivate, and solicit donors to achieve the Museum’s annual expendable and endowment budget goals.
·         Manage and liaise with the Director’s Acquisition Committee, a high-profile group of alumni and non-alumni donors that support art acquisitions for the Museum’s collection.
·         Work collaboratively with other fundraisers across campus and in the U-M Office of University Development (OUD) to plan and execute strategy for donors with multi-unit interests.
·         Implement strategies to identify and qualify new prospects to continually build the donor pipeline. Steward current donors to encourage future giving.
·         Work independently; is self-motivated in initiating contacts with prospects and maintaining consistent, professional communication with donors and volunteers.
·         Work effectively and collaboratively with UMMA staff, particularly in the curatorial, public experience and learning, and marketing departments, as part of a cohesive team to advance UMMA’s mission.
·         Maintain accurate and current information on donor/prospect activity in the University’s development database.

Required Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years successful fundraising experience.
·         A background in and passion for the visual arts, the cultural community, and/or higher education. 
·         Proven track record in initiating, cultivating, soliciting, and closing donor gifts.
·         Demonstrated ability to achieve individual fundraising goals in a fast-paced, multi-tasking, team environment. 
·         Proven problem-solving, strategic thinking, research, and analytical skills.
·         Solid relationship-building skills, including the ability to interface with a diverse group of prospects, donors, volunteers, and staff colleagues in a professional, positive manner.
·         Ability and willingness to travel and to periodically work outside the normal workday.
·         Ability to maintain and foster a positive outlook, including continuous quality improvement, teamwork, mutual respect, professionalism, and personal accountability.
·         Excellent oral, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
·         A commitment to engage diverse constituents and perspectives and a desire to promote equity, accessibility, and anti-racism in all aspects of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Museum work experience.
·         Experience closing five- and six-figure gifts.
·         Understanding of donor data management systems and/or familiarity with University of Michigan processes.

U-M EEO/AA Statement:

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 

The University of Michigan Museum of Art seeks to transform individual and civic life by promoting the discovery, contemplation, and enjoyment of the art of our world.

Posted on 2/11/2021