How to Apply
You must apply through the U-M Jobs website (umjobs.org). University Musical Society has partnered with ZRG Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Vice President and Chief Development Officer. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process is completed. CVs with cover letters should be included with each application.
Who We Are
University Musical Society is seeking a Vice President and Chief Development Officer who will be a key institutional leader and strategic partner to the UMS President, with the responsibility of designing and leading a comprehensive fundraising program that includes annual, major, planned, and endowment giving; foundation and corporate giving; and donor engagement. This leader must be fluent in the fundamentals of each area, excited to craft their own vision, strategy, and roadmap for the function, and able to align resources to deliver the plan. The VP/CDO will be responsible for a portfolio of key donors and prospects, and will actively direct and support the President, Board, and key staff members in fundraising efforts.
Now in its 148th season, UMS is admired across the country for its boundary-pushing roster of artists and its curious and supportive audiences, showcasing traditional performing art forms and contemporary artists in a variety of venues ranging in size from 200-3,500. Based on the campus of the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor, UMS is one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, committed to its mission of connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. UMS is an affiliated partner of the University of Michigan but remains an independent 501(c)3 arts presenter, enabling the organization to both complement and leverage the resources of a world-class university, while also serving as a public-facing cultural hub for the entire community. UMS is financially healthy with an endowment of more than $50M and an annual budget of approximately $11M.
Job Summary
The Vice President and Chief Development Officer (VP/CDO) will be a key institutional leader and strategic partner to the UMS President, with the responsibility of designing and leading a comprehensive fundraising program that includes annual, major, planned, and endowment giving; foundation and corporate giving; and donor engagement. This leader must be fluent in the fundamentals of each area, excited to craft their own vision, strategy, and roadmap for the function, and able to align resources to deliver the plan.
The VP/CDO will be responsible for a portfolio of key donors and prospects, and will actively direct and support the President, Board, and key staff members in fundraising efforts. Additionally, the VP/CDO will work closely with the President on the Nominating and Development Committees of the Board and in advancing the Campaign Council. The position requires broad and comprehensive experience, of both high-level strategic planning and management of practical day-to-day operations, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic relationships with key stakeholders. The VP/CDO will be responsible for helping shape, then translating UMS's vision, strategy, and commitment to U-M, Ann Arbor, and Southeast Michigan into a clear and compelling fundraising strategy, with achievable goals and performance objectives.
Responsibilities*
- design and lead a comprehensive development program that includes annual, major, planned, and endowment giving; foundation and corporate giving; and donor engagement;
- develop an ambitious strategic and operational fundraising plan to support the activities of UMS, ensuring a clear and trackable process for fundraising and sustainable long-term growth in philanthropic contributions;
- proactively identify and manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, with an emphasis on gifts of $100K and more.
- guide and support the UMS President, serving as partner, coach, and co-strategist on the cultivation and solicitation of transformational gifts;
- design cultivation and solicitation strategies, and execute prompt and effective follow-up communications, activities and stewardship;
- assist with creating proposals, annual mailings, targeted solicitations, and stewardship materials that communicate UMS's vision to patrons and donors;
- work closely with the UMS staff and UMS Board of Directors, the Senate (128-member group of former Board members), and Campaign Council, as well as corporate sponsors, and current and prospective patrons of UMS;
- manage a staff of eight and train new staff members so that the Development office functions effectively;
- set clearly defined and measurable goals for the entire Development team and establish appropriate metrics to assess individual and team performance;
- work cross-functionally with Administration & Finance, Patron Services, Marketing & Communications, and Learning & Engagement, and Production & Programming colleagues to ensure integrated planning and execution;
- liaise with the university's central campus development team (OUD) when appropriate;
- serve as an active and visible member of the Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan community, continually building positive relations for UMS with individuals, corporations, and foundations in our service area;
- serve as development liaison for the UMS Campaign Council, the Development Committee, and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors, and for other such committees as determined in collaboration with the President;
- build and maintain good relationships with Board members; and
- be an active participant in the management of UMS - as a member of the management team and the staff programming committee and as an advocate for other key aspects of UMS (marketing, education, audience development, etc.).
Required Qualifications*
A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and a minimum of five years of experience in a significant role in development and fundraising for a nonprofit institution is required for this position.
University Musical Society seeks a Vice President and Chief Development Officer with:
- a commitment to the mission of UMS: to inspire individuals and enrich communities by connecting audiences and artists in uncommon and engaging experiences;
- familiarity with and passion for the performing arts, and an ability and willingness to quickly learn UMS's history, mission, and current programming.
- an entrepreneurial, creative approach to identifying new funding opportunities and partnerships.
- experience working with six and seven-figure gifts, and in leading a team and volunteers to cultivate and solicit major donors;
- familiarity with and commitment to the importance of utilizing a CRM system in fundraising, preferably Tessitura, DART, or a comparable system;
- excellent communication skills coupled with strong writing, presentation, and public speaking skills;
- an ability to work successfully with volunteers;
- an ability to work collaboratively with talented and committed colleagues in a team environment;
- an ability to interact with high-level donors and to maintain a high level of confidentiality; and
- an ability to travel frequently and to work evenings and weekends when needed.
Why Work at Michigan?
We offer a benefits package that includes comprehensive training and career development opportunities, generous retirement savings plans, ample paid time off, and a wealth of family care support: https://careers.umich.edu/benefits/
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.
This position is presently classified as hybrid.
Work Locations
Candidates must be willing to work in person on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor and should be open to relocating to the area if not already local. This position will require flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed to meet job responsibilities.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day following the posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.