Stetson University Hiring for Director of Development AS6532 Job at Deland, FL Full Time

The Director of Development will manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors ($25,000 and above). This results-orientated and relationship-driven individual will identify, cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and steward major gift commitments from Stetson alumni and friends for a variety of university and college/unit funding priorities. The position is based in DeLand and will carry a regional portfolio.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the dean(s), faculty members and the Assistant Vice-President of Development to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop compelling donor engagement strategies to solicit and close gifts
• Work effectively with members of the Development and Alumni Engagement team to develop and cultivate a prospect pipeline as part of the organization’s evolving fundraising strategy
• Travel extensively for the purpose of prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ability to work after hours for events when needed.
• Prepare written proposals, gift agreements, letters of intent and other materials needed to define, secure and document major gifts
• Effectively utilize Raisers Edge NXT to maintain records of contacts with prospects and donors; analyze research materials to target appropriate prospects; and track the status of all solicitation opportunities
• This position requires significant travel by automobile; maintaining an acceptable driving record that meets insurance requirements and an active Florida driver license must be maintained to meet this function
• The option for a flexible work arrangement (including work from home) several days a week will be available.
• Performs other position-specific functions as assigned

Position requires some physical effort such as standing, walking, frequent lifting (4-20 lb.), and manual dexterity in the operation of equipment; may require extended periods of time at a keyboard and CRT screen

ROUTINE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through significant visits (e.g. face-to-face, virtual and phone) to bring solicitations to closure.
• Ability to effectively secure personal visits with prospects and donors
• Develop support for the program by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, faculty, and staff, in efforts supporting the fundraising program.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, deans and administration toward development goals
• Consistently track, monitor, and report the status of all prospects with respect to the fundraising software/database
• Record contact reports in a timely fashion

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred

Required Skills

• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards
• Proven success in securing and conducting face to face meetings for major gift solicitations.
• Positive, creative, and energetic personality
• Ability to establish, cultivate and steward strong relationships with prospects and donors and align their passions with the mission, priorities, and goals of the university.
• Innovative, self-motivated, able to manage multiple projects well, working both independently and as a team member
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Comfortable and adaptable in the current virtual/remote working environment and can successfully navigate technology to fulfill the position’s responsibilities
• Commitment to representing the university with enthusiasm, warmth, and professionalism
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and familiarity with Raisers Edge NXT or customer relationship management (CRM) systems and procedures a plus.

Required Experience

• Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of successful experience in (a) fundraising in a college or university development program or other comparable charitable organization and/or (b) high level sales, preferably in financial services or related field.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess:

• Master’s degree preferred and five years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field
• Prior experience in a college or university setting, enthusiasm for fundraising in a university setting, and the desire to work collegially within a team-oriented fundraising organization.
• Prior experience working directly with a dean, program director and/or advisory board to advance fundraising priorities

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University’s auto insurance carrier.

Salary Grade: 10