Institutional Giving Manager

Brief Description

Responsible for advancing institutional giving efforts through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate, foundation, and individual donors in support of scholarships, workforce development programs and initiatives, and SME mission-driven efforts. This role will build and manage strategic donor relationships to support philanthropic growth and organizational priorities.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

• Research, solicit, and secure donors for gifts from corporate, foundation and individual prospects.
• Identify and build relationships with internal and external partners to generate potential donor prospects, including but not limited to teams across SME, volunteer board members (both the SME and SME Education Foundation Boards), Fortune 500 companies, and manufacturers of all sizes.
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) initiate contacts with potential donors; (2) collaborate with institutional giving leadership to develop appropriate cultivation strategies, including working with volunteer leaders (3) move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) maintain meaningful relationships with donors through stewardship activities
• Effectively manage a prospect pipeline by identifying new and/or strengthening existing relationships.
• Leverage knowledge of cultivation and stewardship tactics to create strategies for individual, corporate and foundation donor solicitations
• Engage potential donors via face-to-face meetings, phone conversations, and digital platforms.
• Attend SME and/or third-party conferences and trade shows to engage smaller scale prospects, and support institutional giving leadership on-site.
• Track daily fundraising activities, conversations, account status, and results via Salesforce, ensuring data accuracy and generating operational reports to support institutional giving efforts.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, accountability standards, and the code of ethical principles and standards for professional professionals, while supporting broader compliance efforts.
• Adhere to the organization’s fund development and philanthropic principles, policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with operational and donor engagement practices.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business administration, or related field.
• At least 2 years’ experience in fundraising, development, sales or related fields, with a focus on donor cultivation and relationship management experience.
• Proficiency in customer relationship management (CRM) systems, such as Salesforce, to track donor interactions and generate reports.
• Knowledge of standard fundraising or sales techniques, including solicitation, proposal writing, and prospect research.
• Demonstrated experience engaging donors through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, digital communication platforms, and strategies such as solicitation, cultivation and stewardship, including engagement with C-suite executives.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, with careful attention to detail and the ability to build relationships with donors, internal teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated success in closing gifts to achieve annual fundraising or sales targets.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive engagement and supporting programs and initiatives that advance manufacturing education and workforce development.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, practices, and ethics, including adherence to accountability and compliance standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Core Competencies:

• Communication and Collaboration
• Relationship Management
• Professionalism and Integrity
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
• Execution
• Initiative, Leadership, and Development
  
  

Job Competencies:

• Fundraising and Prospect Development
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability and Growth Mindset
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Strategic Donor Engagement
• Prospect Research and Pipeline Management
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Standard office environment
• Primary office location: Southfield, MI
• Regular, in-person attendance required
• Travel required
  
  

Summary

POSITION TITLE: Institutional Giving Manager

GROUP: Education Foundation

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SME is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status. Applicants must reside in the United States and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is $67,000 - $77,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range based on individual qualifications and budget availability. In addition to base salary, SME offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, generous paid time off and holidays, professional development and training opportunities, and additional wellness and work-life balance benefits. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.

SME is currently unable to hire employees residing in California, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington.