Director of Development

Job Description

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Advancement for Arts and Sciences, the Director of Development (DoD) serves as a major gift fundraiser responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and donors. This individual will focus on building a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends by creating and implementing strategies for cultivating and soliciting prospects who have the capacity and inclination to make gifts/commitments of $, or more.

The DoD will engage and meet with prospects in person and virtually.

Key metrics for this position will include face-to-face/virtual visits, number and dollar amount of major and annual gift solicitations, and increased Arts and Sciences alumni giving participation.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of three years fundraising experience, in Higher Education preferred.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications, and CRM systems.
• Valid driver’s license required.

• Experience in qualifying prospects and soliciting major gifts while managing all stages of the relationship.
• Exceptional relationship building skills with internal and external constituents.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate the case for support.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow through.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Goal driven team player but also capable of working independently.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

• Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and existing major gift donors with the capacity to make gifts/commitments of $, plus.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors.
• Meaningful contact or attempted contact of % of portfolio during any six-month period.
• Develop and drive fundraising strategies designed to maximize current giving potential for each prospect including leadership annual gift solicitations.
• Communicate with donors on a regular basis through email, virtual visits, face-to-face visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence.
• Creatively and meaningfully engage donors with Arts and Sciences through curated campus experiences, events and gatherings in their communities.
• Build fluency about the College of Arts and Sciences and its key programs and priorities by developing and maintaining relationships with its faculty, staff and students.
• Travel regularly to assigned territories and regions to conduct discovery, cultivation and solicitation meetings with alumni, parents and friends of the College.
• Report results of all gifts/solicitation efforts in the CITRUS/CRM database and to the Assistant Dean for Advancement. Develop and keep updated plans and opportunities.
• Ensure the accuracy and timely entry of all information and records.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Advancement, work strategically and collaboratively with central AEA offices, including Advancement Services, Prospect Development and Analytics, Philanthropic Engagement, Gift Planning, Regional Development, and Alumni Engagement to increase giving, participation and engagement, and to meet personal and unit fundraising goals.
• As appropriate secure and staff visits for College and University leadership and faculty and communicate meeting strategies through written briefings and pre-visit briefing meetings or calls.
• Assist with the development and execution of campus and regional events and meetings.
• Continually improve professional skills, knowledge, and understanding of by developing relationships with colleagues across campus, attending campus events and activities, and participating in training activities.
• Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions related to this position.

Physical Requirements:

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment:
Not Applicable