5+ years in fundraising, particularly major gifts.
3+ years in senior-level development roles, ideally in higher education philanthropy.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience with donor management databases; familiarity with Banner software a plus.
Valid driver's license and automobile insurance required.
Responsibilities
Lead and implement a strategic development plan alongside management.
Prepare an annual Strategic Fundraising Plan outlining key goals and initiatives.
Develop a compelling case for support aligned with University priorities.
Manage a portfolio of around 150 major gift prospects annually.
Conduct approximately 150 personal prospect visits each year.
Maintain accurate Prospect Management reports and donor records.
Assist with donor stewardship and gift acknowledgment processes.
Benefits
Supportive team-oriented environment.
Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Engagement with a diverse stakeholder community.
Ability to work on high-impact fundraising initiatives.
Full Job Description
Primary Purpose:
Provides leadership, supervision, and day-to-day management of an integrated development program in order to raise both unrestricted and restricted philanthropic gift commitments of $100,000+. The primary responsibility is to lead the process of securing major philanthropic gifts to support funding priorities. Plays a significant role in a university-wide comprehensive campaign.
Job Category: Exempt
Hiring Range:
Pay Basis: Annually
Subject to Grant Funding? No
Essential Job Functions:
1. Leads the planning and implementation of a strategic development plan in collaboration with management.
2. Prepares annually a Strategic Fundraising Plan that establishes the goals and development initiatives to be accomplished.
3. Takes the lead in developing the case for support for University major giving priorities; effectively communicates the overall University case for support; and, articulates the impact of philanthropic gifts at all levels.
4. Manages and advances a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects each year.
5. Conducts an average of 150 meaningful, face-to-face prospect visits per year.
6. Maintains current, accurate Prospect Management reports, including: a. Strategic action reports. b. Prospect pipeline. c. Prospect status. d. Prospect list.
7. Follows policies and provides assistance in order to adequately manage the database and all records, files, and gift processing, including donor stewardship and gift acknowledgments. Plays a major role in updating biographical and business information on assigned constituents.
8. Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Job Requirements:
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 1. Demonstrated experience and understanding of development strategies and alumni relations, particularly major gift development.
2. Ability to independently organize and schedule appointments to assure that targets for the number of personal visits and/or personal contacts are met each month.
3. Ability to communicate effectively as evidenced by clarity and conciseness of oral and written presentations.
4. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with others.
5. Computer experience including Internet research, MS Word, Excel, and Power Point, Windows and relational database experience. Familiarity with Banner software a plus.
6. Ability to travel locally, regionally, and in assigned geographic territory as well as to other off-site locations as requested.
7. Comfort level working in a team-oriented environment; ability to work with teams of volunteers and staff.
8. Must be disciplined, detailed and result-oriented.
9. Must be highly organized and able to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Required Certifications/Licensures: Must possess a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
Major (if required:
Required Experience: 1. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible fundraising experience.
2. Minimum of three (3) years successful experience in major gifts, planned giving, or senior level development work with preference for background in higher education philanthropy.