Senior Director of Development, Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship - University

TITLE Senior Director of Development, Merrilee

A. Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Planned GivingJOB SUMMARY The Senior Director of Development, Merrilee

A. Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Planned Giving is a frontline fundraiser for the College and overees the planned giving program for the Office of Institutional Advancement. The Senior Director of Development and Planned Giving (SrDoD) identifies, cultivates, and solicits gifts from individuals and foundations with a special focus on securing gifts of $25,000+. He or she is responsible for the creation and implementation of fundraising strategies, proposals and associated activities for the MAK College of Business.

This position reports to the Vice President for University Advancement with a dotted line to the Executive Dean of the MAK College. The SrDoD also leads the university’s planned giving program, building long-term philanthropic support through estate and deferred gifts. The role focuses on donor engagement, legacy planning, and collaboration across Advancement to ensure sustainable future funding for the university.

Work is performed under general supervision and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained.  The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:

Vice President for University Advancement Supervises:
No supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- May include, but not limited to the following:

Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of annual, major and planned gift prospects in support of College of Business priorities, with a focus on building long-term donor relationships.

Conduct a targeted number of in-person and virtual donor visits annually to qualify prospects, advance solicitations, and close outright and pledged gifts.

Manage a defined prospect portfolio, developing and implementing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with institutional goals.

Collaborate closely with the Executive Dean, faculty, and advancement colleagues to identify funding priorities and match donor interests with institutional needs.

Support and contribute to annual giving initiatives, donor stewardship activities, and alumni engagement efforts for the College.

Assist in the preparation of gift proposals, stewardship reports, and donor communications.

Participate in College of Business and University Advancement events, including donor cultivation, recognition, and stewardship activities.

Work in partnership with Corporate and Foundation Relations colleagues to identify funding opportunities and assist with the development, coordination, and submission of grant proposals supporting College initiatives.

Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, moves management activity, and solicitation outcomes using university-wide systems such as Raiser’s Edge.

Stay informed about the College of Business’s academic programs, strategic initiatives, and philanthropic priorities to effectively communicate impact and opportunities to donors.

Develop and execute a comprehensive planned giving strategy aligned with institutional and campaign goals.

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of planned giving prospects.

Serve as the university’s subject-matter expert on planned giving vehicles, including bequests, charitable trusts, life-income gifts, and beneficiary designations.

Provide gift planning guidance in collaboration with donors and their professional advisors.

Grow and manage the university’s legacy society, including recognition, stewardship, and events.

Partner with major gift officers and other…