Associate Director of Development

The Henderson State University Advancement seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven development professional to serve as the Assistant/Associate Director of Development – Grants & Major Gifts. This position plays a critical role in advancing the University's strategic priorities through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.

Serving as both a frontline fundraiser and the University's grants developer, this position will maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects while leading the development and management of competitive grant proposals that support institutional priorities. Working collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and staff, this individual will identify funding opportunities, coordinate proposal development, manage grant implementation, and ensure timely reporting and stewardship of awarded grants.

The successful candidate will demonstrate professional humility and be highly organized, relationship-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about helping Henderson transform the lives of students through philanthropy.

• Maintain a portfolio of approximately 50 to 75 qualified major gift prospects.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Conduct personal visits with alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations.
• Solicit major gifts supporting university priorities.
• Prepare written proposals and gift agreements.
• Collaborate with university leadership to identify funding priorities.
• Partner with colleges and departments to match donor interests with institutional opportunities.
• Document donor activity in Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Meet annual fundraising metrics related to visits, proposals, solicitations, and dollars raised.

• Proactively identify grant opportunities from private foundations, corporations, state agencies, and federal agencies.
• Develop an annual grants prospect calendar.
• Research funding priorities that align with Henderson's strategic initiatives.

• Coordinate development of competitive grant proposals.
• Partner with faculty, deans, department chairs, and university leadership.
• Gather institutional data, budgets, narratives, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all submissions meet sponsor requirements and deadlines.

• Serve as the University's central grants coordinator by:
• Monitoring awarded grants.
• Tracking budgets and expenditures.
• Maintaining grant timelines.
• Coordinating project implementation.
• Ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
• Working with Finance to monitor expenditures.
• Preparing interim and final reports.
• Coordinating grant closeout activities.

• Meet regularly with faculty and staff to identify emerging funding opportunities.
• Educate campus partners on grant opportunities and processes.
• Assist in developing projects suitable for external funding.
• Build relationships with foundation program officers and grant‑making organizations.

• Prepare reports for University leadership.
• Assist with campaign planning.
• Attend Advancement events.
• Participate in donor stewardship activities.
• Represent Henderson at community and professional events.
• Pursue professional development and leadership opportunities within the profession.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in development, fundraising, grants administration, nonprofit management, and related field.
• Exceptional written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel.
• Onsite work in a dynamic professional setting; ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Master's degree.
• Experience securing private foundation or federal grants.
• Experience managing major gift portfolios.
• Experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Experience using grants management databases.