Major Gifts & Campaign Manager - Michigan State Bar Foundation

The Major Gifts & Campaign Manager plays a critical role in achieving the Access to Justice (ATJ) Campaign's fundraising goals through the execution of campaign strategies focused on major and planned giving. Reporting to and with guidance from the Director of Development, this position is responsible for generating charitable major gifts from Michigan's law firms and major or planned gifts from individual attorneys.

ABOUT THE MICHIGAN STATE BAR FOUNDATION

Founded in 1947, the Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF) provides leadership and grants to improve access to the justice system, including support for civil legal aid for low-income households.  The Foundation administers annual and project grants to increase access to justice and improve the administration of justice throughout Michigan.  With over $210 million granted to date, MSBF supports essential services for low-income individuals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Build knowledge of Michigan's civil legal aid organizations and cultivate working relationships with each organization.  

Access to Justice Campaign Committees

• Support and guide the ATJ Committees in raising awareness and securing major charitable gifts from Michigan's law firms, as well as major or planned gifts from individual attorneys. 
• Assess the geographic representation of ATJ Committees and actively recruit members to ensure statewide coverage.
• Develop and implement annual work plans for ATJ Committees, ensuring alignment with the MSBF strategic plan and addressing the unique regional needs of each committee through defined goals, strategies, and timelines.

Major Gifts and Planned Giving

• Manage and execute fundraising activities directed to law firms and major gift donors, including planned gifts.
• Conduct prospect research to identify individuals, law firms, and corporate counsels with the capacity and inclination to make major gifts.
• Maintain strong donor relationships and cultivate new prospects.
• Create and maintain donor profiles and track the progress of prospective leadership firms, major gifts, and planned giving opportunities through the fundraising pipeline.
• Develop personalized stewardship plans for law firms, major gifts, and planned giving donors, including impact reports, special event invitations, and opportunities for engagement with the organization's work.
• Engage planned giving advisors through education and outreach.

Marketing and Communication Efforts 

• Support the development of campaign solicitations, donor communications, and recognition materials.
• Develop materials for law firm giving through cy pres gifts, settlement gifts, and major gifts.
• Contribute to campaign content, including media, website updates, and annual reports.
• Work with the Outreach and Communications Manager to create Leadership Firm impact stories.
• Partner with the Development team to build support for civil legal aid and the ATJ Campaign.
• Work with the Development team to ensure a unified message regarding the ATJ Fund and civil legal aid across civil legal aid offices.

Reporting, Administration, and Other 

• Work with the Development Coordinator to ensure accurate data tracking and reporting for major gift activities. 
• Track progress of goals for major and planned gifts against key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain accurate donor and engagement records in the CRM.
• Support annual progress reporting to ATJ Campaign and MSBF leadership.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or advanced training in fundraising preferred.
• Minimum six years of successful fund development experience in a nonprofit, or equivalent leadership experience in donor engagement or client relationship development in the nonprofit or business sector.
• Understanding of planned giving practices, promotion, and methods; hands-on experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating, managing, and growing annual and major gifts.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to encourage, motivate, and manage volunteers effectively.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and networking skills. 
• Strong experience in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of best practices in nonprofit development and fundraising.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary and generous benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
• A collaborative, hybrid work environment that values integrity, adaptability, and teamwork. 
• The chance to make a meaningful impact through community-centered and equitable grant programs.

Ready to Apply?

If you're a motivated fundraising professional who shares our commitment to access to justice, apply now to join the ATJ Campaign team at MSBF.

The Michigan State Bar Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in its workforce, creating an inclusive environment, and encouraging members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The Michigan State Bar Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, disability/handicap, height, weight, marital status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship, or any other classification protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.

#li-hybrid

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