Chief Development Officer WMed

Directs development-focused programs designed to increase philanthropic support for funding priorities that are aligned with medical school strategic objectives.

• Ensures dynamic processes in all phases of donor qualification. Develops and implements long- and short-term strategies to secure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations through major, planned, and annual gifts. Directs the planning for major gift functions and donor recognition.
• In partnership with staff of the WMU Foundation, designs and implements a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances by cultivating individual and other philanthropic support, and identifies fundraising opportunities that are mutually beneficial.
• Forges new relationships to build the medical school’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. Develops strong, positive relationships with the medical school community. Works with recent medical students and residency graduates to build life-long relationships and connect them with established members of the alumni community.
• Provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight of development efforts in support of the medical school. Establishes measurable goals to increase fundraising results that are both aspirational and in alignment with medical school goals.
• Establishes and adheres to annual operating budgets and ensures that advancement efforts for the medical school operates in a fiscally prudent and productive way.
• Keeps abreast of current best practices in the development profession and evaluates new and emerging ideas for potential implementation at the medical school.
• Hires, trains, evaluates and supervises staff.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• 10 years' relevant experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, communications or related field.
• Willingness to travel on a frequent basis.
• Demonstrated professionalism.
• Capable of motivating volunteers and donors.
• Strong self-motivation.
• Ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.

• Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Master's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• Experience in higher education fundraising.
• Proven success in building productive relationships with senior administrators, key business leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers or donors.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2023-10-26