This position involves optimizing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects, guiding them through a well-established donor engagement process. Collaboration with fellow UI Center for Advancement fundraisers and leveraging relationships with campus leaders will be key to developing strategic fundraising priorities. As a trusted philanthropic advisor, this role educates donors on impactful giving opportunities that make a difference at the University of Iowa and beyond.
The role serves as the vital link between the Tippie College of Business and its various departments, working closely with Department Executive Officers (DEOs) and faculty - including liaison work to our #7 in the country Vaughan Institute for Risk Management and Insurance. Responsibilities include regular travel to engage with donors across the East Coast Region, as well as joint fundraising efforts within Iowa and the Chicago area. This role partners closely with multiple Regional Gifts fundraisers to leverage their time and capabilities on the east coast. Expertise in major gift fundraising, campus partner management, and collaborative fundraising will drive success and make a lasting impact.
**This position is eligible for hybrid work (telecommuting) which includes working on-site at our office in Iowa City at least 1 day per week.**
Job Responsibilities:
Identification
• Advises Prospect Management staff in the identification of prospects (based on capacity, giving history, and affiliation) from among pools that may include alumni, fans, patients, or other supporters of the university
• Works with Prospect Management staff and supervisor to develop strategy for managing prospects
• Efficiently conducts proactive outreach calls and messages in order to secure face-to-face qualification meetings
• Provides strategic input into the design and implementation of engagement events and referral programs designed to build long-term relationships and attract major gifts
• Conducts all activities, particularly those involving patient data, according to established laws, policies, procedures, and standards and with the full support of UICA, UI, and UI Hospitals and Clinics as relevant
Qualification
• Optimizes qualification pool of potential major gift prospects with the goal of growing a continuous pipeline of donors capable of making gifts of $50,000+
• Skillfully adapts structured questions to validate prospect's capacity and inclination and understand strength of affinity
• Uses gathered information to independently determine whether prospects should be disqualified or moved into the portfolio
• Models the role of a trusted philanthropic advisor, using transparent communication and educating donors about the giving process
Cultivation
• Manages portfolio of active major gift prospects and develops their readiness to advance
• Builds travel plans demonstrating judicious use of time and resources, including strategic meetings with active prospects and additional qualification and stewardship meetings
• Develops and implements donor-centric cultivation strategies, collaborating with colleagues as needed
• Manages deliberate sequence of interactions with each prospect, intended to build engagement and move them through the steps of an established donor engagement process
• Maintains expert knowledge of funding priorities within and beyond assigned unit, consulting with UICA colleagues and campus partners as needed
• Facilitates prospects' decision-making process; helps them understand next steps and articulate the link between their personal objectives and institutional priorities
• Maintains expert knowledge needed to ensure donors are fully informed about the full range of planned giving options
Negotiation
• Meets expectations for solicitations, gifts closed, and average gift size (goals established annually with the supervisor in alignment with organization-wide metrics)
• Knows where prospects fall in the donor engagement process and plans next steps accordingly
• Identifies meaningful ways for donor to achieve their desired impact while meeting funding needs
• Employs and models the use of communication and meeting preparation tools in order to achieve stated objectives for each step of the process
• Ensures documentation reflects donor intent and sets expectations for recognition and stewardship
Stewardship
• Develops, implements, and participates in appropriate stewardship activities (e.g., acknowledgement letters, publicity events) for donors as relevant, working with stewardship staff as needed
• Maintains integrity of constituent database through timely submittal of stewardship plans and contact reports for all significant interactions
Constituent Management
• Partners with campus leaders and UICA leadership to develop strategic fundraising priorities and a comprehensive multi-year plan to increase private gift support
• Clearly articulates the vision and priorities of the unit in a compelling and broadly understandable way
• Manages fundraising program for assigned unit, including any special campaigns for program and capital support, in cooperation with campus partners/leaders
• Leverages trusted working relationships with campus partners/leaders (deans/directors) as well as external groups with ties to the unit; Communicates frequently regarding progress toward goals
• Prepares partners/leaders as necessary for donor meetings and guides their critical role in the giving conversation and donor engagement process
• Collaborates with CFR staff as relevant to identify and cultivate corporate and foundation gift prospects for assigned unit
• Provides direction on annual giving strategy and the development of fundraising materials for assigned units including mailings, brochures, donor recognition, reports, etc.
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required and 5+ years of related fundraising experience required, preferably in a nonprofit, health care or higher education setting
Qualifications
Education
Required
Bachelor's or better in any major.
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Driver's License
