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Director Of Development Major Gifts Jobs in Rochester, MI

Major Gifts Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Position Summary As a Major Gifts Officer (MGO), you will work closely with the CEO, development team and board of directors to secure funds for the organization by managing a group of assigned and ...

Development Director

Redford, MI · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Director of Development ... major gifts and high-capacity prospects Ensure structured cultivation, solicitation, and ...

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Director Of Development Major Gifts information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$22.6K

$94.1K

$136.7K

How much do director of development major gifts jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of development major gifts in Rochester, MI is $94,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of development major gifts do?

A Director of Development Major Gifts is responsible for leading an organization’s efforts to secure large financial donations from individuals, corporations, or foundations. They develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, often focusing on gifts that significantly impact the organization’s mission. This role typically involves building relationships with prospective donors, managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, and collaborating with executives and board members to achieve fundraising goals. Their leadership is crucial in ensuring long-term financial sustainability for nonprofits, educational institutions, or other organizations.

How does a director of development major gifts typically collaborate with board members and other senior leaders to achieve fundraising goals?

A Director of Development, Major Gifts works closely with board members and senior leaders to strategize and execute major fundraising initiatives. This collaboration often involves regular meetings to align on donor engagement strategies, sharing progress updates, and leveraging the networks and influence of board members to access new prospects. Additionally, the Director may coach board members on donor stewardship best practices and coordinate their participation in cultivation or solicitation meetings. These partnerships are crucial for building a strong culture of philanthropy and achieving ambitious fundraising targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of development major gifts, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Development Major Gifts, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and relationship management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems like Raiser's Edge and knowledge of prospect research tools are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication differentiate top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for building lasting donor relationships and securing significant contributions to support organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Of Development Major Gifts vs Development Officer?

AspectDirector Of Development Major GiftsDevelopment Officer
Primary FocusSecuring major gifts and high-value donorsManaging donor relations and fundraising campaigns
Required CredentialsTypically bachelor’s degree, fundraising experience, major gift expertiseSimilar credentials, often with less emphasis on major gift experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, high-level donor meetingsCommunity outreach, event coordination
Industry UsageNonprofits, educational institutions, healthcareSimilar industries, often reporting to Directors or Managers

The main difference is that the Director Of Development Major Gifts focuses on securing large donations from major donors and leading strategic fundraising efforts, while the Development Officer handles broader donor relations and campaign activities. Both roles require fundraising experience, but the Director position typically involves higher-level planning and relationship management.

What job categories do people searching Director Of Development Major Gifts jobs in Rochester, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Of Development Major Gifts jobs in Rochester, MI are:

What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Director Of Development Major Gifts jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Director Of Development Major Gifts job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Of Development Major Gifts job openings in Rochester, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,139 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

$71K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Organization Summary
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Detroit (SVdPD) exists to build a more equitable and compassionate world through meaningful personal relationships, providing whatever is needed to help our neighbors prevent homelessness. Our programs provide support ranging from utility, housing and food assistance to education and mentorship programs. The Society also operates a network of thrift stores, two camps, food depots and a nutritional center. We are passionate about systemic change and helping neighbors throughout Metro-Detroit break out of poverty. We are currently looking to hire for our development team and grow as reputational leaders in homelessness prevention.
Position Summary
As a Major Gifts Officer (MGO), you will work closely with the CEO, development team and board of directors to secure funds for the organization by managing a group of assigned and qualified donors (caseload) assuring that as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to the organization and are upgraded in their giving and involvement.
Ongoing Responsibilities
  • Will qualify a caseload of 150 donors from a larger group of donors to the organization.
  • Will create individual goals for each person on the caseload based on the donor's history of giving and the organization's knowledge of that donor's potential.
  • Will create a plan for each donor that will serve as a foundational communication and marketing plan for each person on the caseload. Will faithfully and on a timely basis execute that plan so that individuals on the caseload are retained and upgraded.
  • Will work with program and the marketing team to secure appropriate project information, including budgets, and create offers, proposals and asks that will be used with persons on the caseload to secure gifts.
  • Will create weekly/monthly reports that accurately reflects caseload activity and performance for review and coaching.
  • Will perform other major donor activities as may be required.

Accountability - Performance will be measured by:
  • Ability to qualify donors from the larger pool of organizational donors that meet the major gift criteria.
  • Ability to create reasonable financial goals for each donor which is based on their giving and their potential
  • Ability to create a personal contact and ask plan, that takes into account the individual donor's interest, motivations, giving patterns and ask preferences, for each donor on his or her caseload in a timely and cost-effective manner.
  • Ability to retain and upgrade donors.
  • Ability to secure project and organization information and create and write effective offers, proposals and asks. Ability to secure information that can be sent back to donors to report on how their money was used.
  • Ability to create timely reports that reflect caseload performance.
  • Ability to manage people, process, deadlines and budget while adhering to the policies and procedures of the organization.
  • Ability to get along with peers, subordinates and management and maintain a positive and constructive attitude while solving problems. Ability to be a team player and protect the mission, goals and values of the organization.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Mission Fit: Understanding of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, its mission, and values.
  • Background/Skills Fit: Minimum of five years' professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven record of successful donor engagement.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills.
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree

For any questions, please contact Mary Lynn Donovan at: mlfdonovan@svdpdetroit.org