Job DescriptionThe Regional Development Director will work closely with academic leaders and Development colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership-level philanthropic gifts of $25,000 or more. This position is remote, with a preference for candidates residing in the greater Chicagoland area or Michigan.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree required.
- Five or more years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting gifts of $100,000 or more; or a proven track record of building relationships and closing complex, high-value agreements with decision-makers.
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills, with experience managing complex projects from concept through execution.
- Excellent critical listening and relationship-building skills.
- Proven ability to establish priorities and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong work ethic and a demonstrated record of achieving professional goals.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Experience using a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system to manage donor relationships and workflow.
Preferred Qualifications- Demonstrated success as a major gifts' fundraiser, preferably within higher education.
- Basic understanding of relevant tax and estate law and planned giving mechanisms.
- Experience promoting or supporting gift planning initiatives.
- Ability to live within a 3-4-hour driving distance of Saint Mary's College.
- Preference for candidates residing in the greater Chicagoland area or Michigan.
Job Responsibilities- Implement the College's fundraising strategy focused on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 high-level prospects and establish and achieve annual giving and major gift objectives.
- Develop and implement donor-centered philanthropic engagement plans that connect donors' interests with the priorities and strategic needs of Saint Mary's College.
- Build and maintain significant, long-term relationships with current and prospective benefactors whose philanthropic support is essential to advancing the College's strategic priorities.
- Cultivate and solicit leadership-level gifts of $25,000 or more, including demonstrated success in securing gifts of $100,000 or more.
- Partner with academic leaders, Development colleagues, volunteers, and other College representatives to engage key prospects and donors.
- Promote the College's gift planning program and identify opportunities for planned gifts.
- Prepare and edit written materials for prospective donors, the President, volunteers, and other key stakeholders to support high-level donor engagement.
- Travel extensively, up to 50%, within the assigned region and nationally as needed to cultivate and strengthen donor relationships.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, strategies, solicitations, and follow-up activities within the College's CRM system.
- Work in partnership with the Executive Director of Regional Development and Gift Planning.
- Support the success of the Ring Out Ring True comprehensive campaign by advancing philanthropic relationships and securing support for the College's strategic priorities.
ScheduleFull-time, 12-month position. This is a remote position with extensive travel, up to 50%, within the designated region and as needed to support donor engagement. Preference for candidates living in the greater Chicagoland area or Michigan.
Eligibility to WorkApplicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require visa sponsorship from the College, either now or in the future.
