Director of Development - Major Gifts

Director of Development - Major Gifts

Job Title: Director ofDevelopment - Major Gifts

Department: University Advancement

Reports to: Vice President of University Advancement

Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible

Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 (based on qualifications and experience)

Location: Lisle Campus

Position Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Director of Development provides strategic leadership and execution of fundraising initiatives, with primary emphasis on major gifts while contributing to the success of annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and campaign priorities. The Director manages a portfolio of leadership-level prospects and donors, develops comprehensive cultivation and solicitation strategies, and collaborates across the University to advance a culture of philanthropy. This role requires a dynamic relationship-builder who is both strategic and execution-oriented, capable of engaging donors, volunteers, and institutional leaders in meaningful support of Benedictine University's mission and priorities.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Major Gift Strategy and Portfolio Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and leadership gift prospects.
• Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 100-150 qualified prospects, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 and above.
• Create and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation plans, including coordination with senior leadership, faculty, and volunteers.
• Lead or support solicitations for significant gifts, including multi-year commitments and campaign investments.

2. Fundraising Program Execution

• Contribute to the development and execution of an integrated fundraising plan aligned with University priorities and campaign goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues across annual giving, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations to maximize philanthropic outcomes.
• Assist in the planning and execution of capital campaigns and targeted fundraising initiatives.

3. Planned Giving Program Leadership

• Design and lead a comprehensive planned giving program that supports long-term institutional sustainability.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospects for estate gifts, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and blended gifts.
• Promote legacy giving through personal outreach, educational programming, events, print and digital communications, and stewardship initiatives.
• Oversee and grow the University's legacy recognition society, honoring benefactors while respecting confidentiality preferences.
• Maintain accurate documentation and stewardship processes for all deferred gift commitments.

4. Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Build and sustain meaningful, long-term relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and institutional partners.
• Ensure high-quality stewardship of donors, including timely acknowledgment, reporting on impact, and ongoing engagement opportunities.
• Partner with University leadership to deepen donor understanding of institutional priorities and opportunities for support.

5. Performance Management and Reporting

• Establish and meet annual fundraising goals, including metrics related to visits, solicitations, and dollars raised.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions and strategies in the University's CRM (Raiser's Edge).
• Utilize data and analytics to inform strategy, monitor progress, and adjust approaches as needed.

6. Advancement Team Leadership and Culture

• Contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven Advancement team environment.
• Mentor junior staff or serve as a team lead on specific initiatives, as appropriate.
• Uphold best practices in fundraising, donor confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Other Functions:

1. Adherence to all Benedictine University and University Advancement policies and procedures. Work independently and creatively within established guidelines, while at the same time functioning as a member of a team.
2. Attend departmental and University related meetings and events.
3. Strong leadership, administrative, planning and presentation skills, including oral and written communications.
4. Work in coordination with University offices and departments to coordinate and facilitate program needs, serve on University committees as needed.
5. Maintain high level of organization and ability to manage multiple tasks.
6. Ability to attain goals through knowledge of profession and professional development, as well as incorporate best practices into initiatives.
7. Ability to create a culture of collaboration with all campus constituents.
8. Employs sound project management practices, methodologies, and principles to accomplish work.
9. Proven ability to organize information; assess, utilize and navigate online platforms; and conduct detailed data analysis and develop reports based on data.
10. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive situations and matters with diplomacy and superior judgement.
11. Ability to complete high-level analysis of data.
12. Demonstrated analytical, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree Required, Advanced degree preferred

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in major gift solicitation

Specific Skills: Proven ability to cultivate, solicit and close five-and six-figure gifts. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse constituencies. Experience working with senior leadership and volunteers in a fundraising context. Familiarity with planned giving concepts and integrated advancement strategies.

Specific Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications: Yes, Proficiency with CRM systems (Raiser's Edge or similar) and data-driven fundraising practices. Yes, Valid Driver's License.
Physical Requirements:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Use of computer screen, phone and customer service.
May require bending, or sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The following of campus specific guidelines for pandemic protocols are required.

Travel (If applicable): Yes

Supervisory Responsibility (if applicable): Yes

Working Conditions: Standard office environment

Training: As a University employee you are required to complete all University-specific and/or OSHA related training to fulfill your job duties. Specific training will be conducted online or in person. Employees must complete all trainings required by Benedictine University.

Employee Benefits Package:

We are pleased to offer the following benefits to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Please note that benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements may apply:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage to support your health needs.
• Disability Insurance: Protection for both short-term and long-term disability.
• Life Insurance: Financial security for your loved ones in case of the unexpected.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and mental health days.
• Retirement Plans: Save for your future with our retirement savings options.
• Mental Health Support: Access to counseling and resources for mental well-being.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for your education and professional development.
• Financial Wellness Advisors: Personalized advice to help manage and plan your finances.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.