University of Delaware

Associate Director, Development - Engineering

University of Delaware$80K — $110K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience (development, sales, customer relations) or equivalent education/experience.
  • Experience successfully soliciting and closing six-figure gifts, or a comparable skill set in sales.
  • Strong organizational skills for implementing and managing strategic fundraising plans.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.
  • Ability to meet high-profile individuals and manage confidential information discreetly.
  • Detail-oriented self-starter capable of multitasking under tight deadlines.
  • Familiarity with donor databases and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects.
  • Conduct all stages of major gift fundraising process efficiently.
  • Provide donors with meaningful experiences to encourage giving.
  • Implement and monitor solicitation plans for prospects.
  • Develop and draft proposals for donor initiatives and recognition.
  • Support assigned college/unit leadership in fundraising efforts.
  • Collaborate with development colleagues to coordinate donor engagement.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to make a significant impact through major gift fundraising.
  • Work collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
  • Access to professional development resources.
  • Engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • Potential for building relationships with affluent donors.
Full Job Description
Associate Director, Development - Engineering

Job no: 503294
College / VP Area: Development & Alumni Rel
Work type: Staff
Location: Newark, DE/Hybrid
Categories: Development & Alumni Relations, Full Time, Extension and Outreach

PAY GRADE: 30S

CONTEXT OF JOB:

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for major gift fundraising for the assigned College/unit(s) including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors for the college. The emphasis of the position is on the solicitation of gifts of $50,000 or more from individuals.

The Associate Director of Development reports to the Senior Director of Development and works closely with assigned College leadership, faculty, and staff.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising (95%):
  • Manage a portfolio of 50 to 75 qualified major giving prospects qualified through capacity, inclination, and timing to make a significant gift of $50,000 or more.
  • Successfully conduct all stages of the major gift process, which includes the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of identified prospects in the assigned College/unit or in support of University-identified priorities.
  • Provide donors and prospects with an exceptional experience moving them to gift closure through thoughtful and meaningful communication and engagement.
  • Follow execution of solicitation plans for all assigned prospects that identify key steps toward moving prospects to a successful solicitation within three years.
  • Acquire knowledge of College and University programs and projects to develop and implement donor cultivation and solicitation strategies effectively and efficiently.
  • Develop draft proposals and agreements for named initiatives and recognition opportunities for donors.
  • Follow and execute stated processes and procedures.

College/Unit Partner (5%):
  • Serve as a DAR contact and support the assigned college/unit Dean, Department Chairs, faculty, and staff with the execution of fundraising strategies and donor engagement activities.
  • Assist as needed with the coordination and scheduling of DAR and College/unit monthly fundraising meetings.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable resource for gift officers who are working with prospects in assigned college/unit.
  • Work collaboratively with development colleagues who manage College-based donors and prospects with philanthropic interests.
  • Assist as needed in the coordination of stewardship reports and activities for prospects with appropriate members of the administration and faculty of the assigned College/unit.

Collegiality

  • Partner effectively with colleagues within DAR to foster a cross-functional team approach to achieve the goals of the assigned College/unit and the University overall.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree and minimum of four years of relevant experience (development, sales, customer relations, etc.), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Proven ability to solicit and close philanthropic gifts on the six-figure level, or equivalent experience in a related field such as sales.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic plans that support the activities of the program and contribute to the overall goals and objectives of Advancement and the fundraising enterprise.
  • Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, exhibiting excellent written and oral communication skills, team-building skills, and demonstrating tact, poise, and diplomacy while working with a wide variety of personalities.
  • Ability and comfort in meeting and interacting with individuals of considerable social status and affluence.
  • Ability to apply good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to deal with highly confidential alumni, parent, student, family, donor, and prospect information.
  • Must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with an ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet aggressive timelines and challenging deadlines.
  • Working knowledge of electronic mail and calendars, the Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and other software such as donor databases, etc.
  • Understanding of regionally based philanthropy along with experience in a higher education or non-profit setting preferred; direct experience with fundraising, volunteer management, and knowledge of the University of Delaware is highly desired.
  • Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
  • Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
  • Utilize considerable initiative, independence, originality, and responsibility for recommending and developing new methods, strategies, and techniques.
  • Exercise autonomy in researching, evaluating, developing, and executing activities designed to engage and identify principal and major gifts.


Applications close:

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About University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is a public research university located in Newark, Delaware. It is the largest university in Delaware and the state's flagship institution of higher education. The university was founded in 1743 as a small private academy, and it became a state land-grant institution in 1870. Today, the University of Delaware offers over 300 degree programs across its seven colleges and schools. The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the sciences, and it is home to several research centers and institutes. The university has a diverse student body and a strong commitment to community engagement and public service.
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