1

Major Gift Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

There is no greater gift than good health and no greater satisfaction than helping others to ... Work all major U.S. holidays that the store is open. Sales Associated must be at least 18 years of ...

Sales Associate - PT

Warren, MI · On-site

$13.73 - $14/hr

There is no greater gift than good health and no greater satisfaction than helping others to ... Work all major U.S. holidays that the store is open. Sales Associated must be at least 18 years of ...

Sales Associate - PT

Fort Gratiot, MI · On-site

$13.73 - $14/hr

There is no greater gift than good health and no greater satisfaction than helping others to ... Work all major U.S. holidays that the store is open. Sales Associated must be at least 18 years of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Major Gift Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$64.9K

How much do major gift associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gift associate in Michigan is $63,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a major gift associate do?

A Major Gift Associate is responsible for supporting an organization’s fundraising efforts by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with major donors. They work alongside development teams to manage donor portfolios, coordinate meetings and events, and assist in preparing proposals and reports. Their role is crucial in helping secure significant financial contributions that support the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a major gift associate?

To thrive as a Major Gift Associate, you need experience in fundraising, donor relations, and research, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management or communications. Familiarity with donor management systems like Raiser’s Edge and proficiency in CRM databases are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking help build lasting relationships with major donors. These skills are crucial for securing large gifts and advancing the mission and financial sustainability of the organization.

How does a major gift associate typically collaborate with other fundraising team members to achieve donation goals?

A Major Gift Associate works closely with other members of the development team, such as major gift officers, annual giving coordinators, and donor relations staff. They often assist in researching prospective donors, preparing briefing materials, and coordinating donor meetings or events. Collaboration is key, as the associate ensures that communication and stewardship efforts are aligned and that donor data is accurately tracked and shared. Regular team meetings and joint strategy sessions help keep everyone focused on shared fundraising targets and donor engagement priorities.

What is the difference between Major Gift Associate vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectMajor Gift AssociateFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in nonprofit, communications, or related fields; experience in donor relationsBachelor's degree; experience in fundraising or event planning beneficial
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, development offices, fundraising teamsNonprofits, charities, event organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofit development departments focusing on major donorsCommon in fundraising and development roles across nonprofits
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in donor engagement and fundraising activities

The Major Gift Associate primarily focuses on cultivating relationships with major donors and securing large gifts, often requiring experience in donor relations. The Fundraising Coordinator handles a broader range of fundraising activities, including events and campaigns, with less emphasis on major donors. Both roles are essential in nonprofit development but differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Major Gift Associate jobs in Michigan?

For Major Gift Associate jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Major Gift Associate jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Major Gift Associate jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Major Gift Associate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Major Gift Associate job openings:

Major Gift Associate - Mike Ilitch School of Business

Detroit, MI • On-site


Wayne State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Major Gift Associate - Mike Ilitch School of Business
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Major Gift Associate - Mike Ilitch School of Business at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
JOB PURPOSE
Assist the major gift fundraising professionals in the Mike Ilitch School of Business (Business) with the coordination, preparation, and follow-up of fundraising and cultivation strategies. Analyze data and prepare reports to support donor stewardship and recognition. Collaborate with the Office of Gift Administration to draft gift agreements, memoranda of agreement, and other pledge documentation. Prepare information related to named endowed and expendable funds. Serve as a liaison for the major gifts program with prospective and current donors. This position reports to the Senior Director, Major Gifts - Mike Ilitch School of Business.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)
% Time
Assist the major gift fundraising professionals with planning, developing, and implementing fundraising plans and initiatives to meet major gift goals and objectives. Track and monitor personalized plans created for potential major gift donors based on established strategies. Facilitate preparation of high-level briefing materials for Business and university leadership. 20%
Work with major gift and donor experience officers to review major gift stewardship portfolios. Coordinate with officers, dean's office, and others as appropriate to support stewardship activities. Analyze data and prepare reports to support donor stewardship and recognition. Prepare information related to named endowed and expendable funds.
15%
Collaborate with the Office of Gift Administration to draft gift agreements, memoranda of agreement, and other pledge documentation. Coordinate with Business colleagues to ensure timely and accurate routing of major donor contributions to central development for processing. 15%
In collaboration with Prospect Development, prepare, organize, and distribute prospect materials, event and meeting briefings, and research profiles. Work directly with Prospect Development to maintain and analyze prospect portfolios for major gift officers. 15%
Collaborate with Development and Alumni Communications to generate fundraising communication pieces, including solicitation correspondence, proposals, and related materials. 15%
Prepare and gather statistical data for analysis and reporting purposes. Track key performance indicators based upon divisional reports and dashboards. Report and monitor progress toward monthly measurables and annual fundraising goals for Business. 10%
Collaborate with divisional units as directed by supervisor, as well as other university units, to ensure operational efficiencies within the unit. 5%
Route and answer routine major donor correspondence and inquiries, as appropriate. Initiate follow-up actions on pending matters. Special projects and other related duties in support of the major gifts program as assigned. 5%
WORK CONTEXT
This grid characterizes the position scope.
Job Reports to: Senior Director/Chair
Leadership Accountability: Implements operating plan
Supervisory Accountability: None
Organizational Accountability: None
Financial Accountability: None
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D
Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisor
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education Bachelor's degree
Additional Education Information: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, marketing, public relations, or related field.
Reasonable knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures.
Experience Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a development or marketing professional, including developing and executing plans.
Professional understanding of, and interest in, Development and Alumni Affairs best practices and general operations. Understanding of trends and best practices within the major gifts, donor relations, and stewardship fields.
Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of Development and Alumni Affairs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
COLLABORATION: Exhibits a willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees.
LEARNING AGILITY: Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
TEAMWORK: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams. Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms.
Working Conditions
Normal office environment.
Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
H86 - Development & Alumni Affairs
Primary department:
H8605-Development office
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum: $60,000
  • Salary hire maximum: $61,000
Working conditions:
Hybrid work schedulenormal working conditions
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.


What Wayne State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom