Job Summary:

Direct the fund-raising activities targeted at individuals, corporations and foundations to broaden the base of funding sources for specific departments/colleges of the University.  Responsibly for building relationships with alumni, friends, foundation and corporations to increase philanthropic support.

Essential Functions:

• Understand the mission and needs of The University of Akron and build relationships with alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations to increase philanthropic support.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships, implementing short- and long-range strategic plans to guide engagement and meet fundraising goals.
• Pursue donor connections and capacity, aligning donor interests and passions with opportunities at the University to generate gifts.
• Travel to donors as needed. Solicit for gifts (and know how to close a gift) via face-to-face meetings, creative proposals, phone calls, letters, emails, and special events—annual metrics that will determine success in the position.
• Implement and maximize stewardship opportunities to enhance relationships and continue positive momentum.
• Display exceptional interpersonal skills that help build rapport and trust among a diverse group of donors and colleagues, as well as faculty and staff across the University.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, especially the ability to write grammatically correct letters, persuasive proposals, endowment descriptions, and case statements.
• Work with colleagues, faculty, and staff to plan and execute programs and activities that raise the visibility of the University and generate support; responsibilities may include managing college boards, planning special events, and promoting seminars that highlight UA’s areas of expertise.
• Attend work-related events that occur outside of the traditional workday, including weekends.
• Understand and efficiently use Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel; knowledge of Adobe products such as Photoshop and InDesign a plus.

Education:

  Requires a relevant Bachelor's Degree.

Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:

  Valid driver's license – State of Ohio

Experience:

Requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in fundraising or alumni relations, or sales and marketing.  Alternatively, significant experience working in higher education with demonstrated leadership supporting a college or a dean. Higher education fundraising preferred. 

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume and 3 references.

Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: Review of candidates will begin September 3, 2026.

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

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