How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.
The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 4-5 days per week during the academic year, with additional seasonal flexibility.

Job Summary

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is looking for a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our fundraising and alumni engagement strategies. As a member of the school's leadership team and working with partners across the University, you will lead the planning, implementation, and management of all components of development, including capital giving; major and planned gifts; advisory board management; annual fund; foundation support; donor relations and engagement; alumni relations, engagement, and communications; stewardship; and corporate relations. You will report to the Dean.

The Ford School is one of the nation's foremost policy schools, housed at one of the world's great public universities. We inspire and prepare diverse leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities' and our world's most pressing challenges. Our dedication to the public good is grounded in our core values and inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including efforts aimed at addressing key policy issues relevant to racial justice and antiracism. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who will contribute to the diversity of our school. To learn more about the Ford School, read about us.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Paid parental leave

Responsibilities*

Lead, assess, and continue building a comprehensive development and alumni relations program for the school.
In collaboration with the dean and university leadership, lead the Look to Michigan campaign strategy and initiatives for the Ford School.
Provide professional fundraising guidance to the dean, the faculty, and the senior leadership team.
Continue implementation and assessment of the strategies used to maximize the fundraising potential of the Ford School and grow a high-caliber team of development professionals.
Provide leadership, management, and support to the Development and Alumni Relations team, including oversight of the annual budget.
Lead the Ford School's development strategy for major and principal gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The strategy includes but is not limited to identifying, analyzing, and designing appropriate tactics for approaching prospects and making the vitally important match between donors' philanthropic interests and the school's programmatic and curricular needs.
Ensure the cooperative participation of the Ford School's Development team in the University's prospect management and tracking system.
Work collaboratively with the Ford School offices of marketing and communications, and of public affairs, to assure alignment and inclusion of Development and Alumni Relations priorities into Ford School communications and publications.
Serve as a member of the school's leadership team and collaborate with peers and others to advance the school's strategic goals and objectives.
Be recognized as a valued, committed, and collegial Chief Development Officer by the Dean and faculty of the Ford School as well as by the Vice President for Development and colleagues throughout the development community.
Represent Ford School leadership at public functions and special events locally, nationally, and internationally as appropriate.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree
10+ years of progressively responsible experience leading major gifts, alumni relations and stewardship
Demonstrated experience leading a high performing team
Experience working, collaborating, and partnering with all levels of constituents
Experience working with senior leaders
Excellent written and oral communication skills with a wide range of audiences and demonstrated understanding of strategic communications
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

We will be accepting applications November 12th through December 8th and will begin the screening process in January.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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