Feb 24th, 2026
Wayne State University
Associate Vice President, Principal Giving
( Michigan | On-site )
About the Organization
As Michigan’s only public urban research university, Wayne State University has been dedicated to changing the world from the heart of Detroit for more than 150 years. Wayne State’s history began in 1868, when five physicians who witnessed the crude medical treatment on Civil War battlefields committed themselves to advancing health education and care in Detroit. They founded the Detroit Medical College, which has since transformed into the School of Medicine. Today, Wayne State is a powerhouse of academic excellence, one of the nation’s preeminent urban research institutions, and a thriving home to 13 schools and colleges that advance knowledge across a broad array of disciplines reflected in a diverse range of academic programs. Nearly 25,000 students from down the street and around the world call themselves Wayne State Warriors. They join roughly 309,000 alumni who, as citizens, leaders, and doers, live the Warrior spirit in every conceivable vocation.
WSU’s primary focus has always been, and will remain, the success of its students, who represent diverse races, cultures, and beliefs. The university feels a deep responsibility to ensure every student has access to the opportunities a world-class college education offers. Through decades of growth and change, WSU has been guided by an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Wayne State’s faculty experts bring scholarly and professional success into classrooms and labs each day, sharing knowledge with their students and preparing them to excel in their chosen careers.
WSU is renowned for its research excellence. As one of only six public, urban universities in the United States to hold the highest Carnegie Foundation ratings for both research intensiveness and community engagement, Wayne State never loses sight of the fact that the work done on campus has implications in its own community and in communities worldwide.
Enhancing the culture of philanthropy to achieve financial sustainability is among the goals outlined in the “Our Moment in Time” Strategic Plan for 2027, which will form the foundation for the upcoming comprehensive campaign. Pillars of focus include the Grand Challenges initiative, accelerating mobility, and empowering health through the establishment of a new school of public health and construction of a new Health Sciences Research Building.
Job Description
Position salary range: $200,000 - $230,000
Position reports to: David Ripple
Wayne State University (WSU) seeks a strategic, creative, and collaborative Associate Vice President, Principal Giving (AVP) to lead a bold principal and transformational giving program during a time of record-breaking fundraising success. As Michigan’s only urban research university and the third largest and most diverse university in the state, WSU is proud to hold the highest Carnegie Foundation ratings for both research intensiveness and community engagement. For more than 150 years, Wayne State has remained a steadfast partner in Detroit, engaging with the community and its people in ways that leave a lasting positive impact from educational access to research that solves real-world problems; from neighborhood service to workforce development; from economic innovation to social mobility. The diversity of people and cultures and the spirit and grit that animate them are mirrored in the university community.
The new AVP will join WSU at a time of considerable momentum as the university prepares to announce the public launch of an ambitious $1 billion+ comprehensive campaign effort. The campaign is designed to double-down on the university’s strengths: empowering social mobility, health equity, economic growth, and the vibrancy of Detroit. With 2025 marking the biggest fundraising year in the university’s history, WSU is poised for even greater heights. WSU’s donors have led by example with recent gifts of $50 million and $20 million, and the power of collective giving is palpable with a record $2.3 million raised on Giving Day 2025, highlighting the pride and loyalty of WSU’s alumni community, more than 70 percent of whom live in southeast Michigan. The AVP will have a strong platform from which to continue elevating sights while playing a significant leadership role in achieving campaign success.
Reporting to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs and working closely with the Office of the President, the AVP will lead principal giving efforts university-wide, taking a strategic approach to maximizing efforts, assets, and impact. The AVP will serve on the Vice President’s senior team and will elevate cross-unit giving opportunities while inviting donors and university leaders to mirror the powerful, determined, and ambitious qualities that define Wayne State Warriors. The AVP will work internally and externally to accelerate strategic thinking and relationship building. Leading through influence and example, the AVP will engender a spirit of shared success and greater collective impact across the enterprise.
The successful candidate is expected to have at least seven to ten years of experience with a track record of conceiving and implementing strategies that have resulted in personally securing seven-figure gifts and higher. They should have a history of working collaboratively with academic leaders and crafting highly complex proposals, gift documentation, and meaningful engagement approaches. Strong financial acumen is expected, as well as a track record of navigating a complex organization. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are necessary, with a philosophy of teamwork and hands-on implementation. The AVP must have a transparent, planful, and proactive approach to their work as well as a clear, responsive, and graceful communication style. In accordance with its core values, WSU is especially interested in recruiting individuals who will promote and uphold the values embodied within the university’s Mission Statement.
Contact email for applicants WSU-AVPPG@talentcitizen.com