Director of Development

Job Summary: Position is responsible for managing and implementing development efforts to raise funds from alumni, parents, corporations and other constituents of Drury regionally or in a designated region. The primary focus is on a portfolio of assigned prospects to raise major and planned gifts of $25,000 and up. Using best practices and a moves management approach, supported administratively by a strong research and analytics-driven donor services team, this position will help expand identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential donors to fund university wide priorities and designated projects. This position will coordinate with the alumni relations team members and admissions staff to coordinate university wide efforts in a designated region. Travel expected. Regular contact and coordination with members of the university leadership team, admission staff, and other key Drury constituents. Duties/Responsibilities: This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties or responsibility requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation Identifies, cultivates and solicits potential donors to the University, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and constituents of Drury for funding priorities and designated projects. Manages and implements the identification and engagement strategies for assigned major fits prospects in a designated region. Activities include: identifying new prospects, cultivating relationships, soliciting prospects, developing gift proposals and group presentations, coordinating activities with alumni staff, faculty and other volunteer solicitors, and maintaining contact with donors and prospective donors through appropriate correspondence. Recruits, communicates with and coordinates leadership volunteers to build regional major gifts, alumni and admissions efforts. This includes donors and alumni who may serve as members of regional leadership and alumni committees and various University Advisory Councils. Develops and executes, with support of advancement staff, major giving cultivation and recognition events in assigned region. Participates in alumni and University wide alumni and recognition events and related fundraising goals, including Alumni Reunion, class giving and others as assigned. This position may also be assigned a department liaison role and grant coordination or annual giving coordination. Works closely with the EVP for Development and Alumni and the major gifts team to maintain a successful major donor management system and active prospect review process. This includes regular activity reporting, recording relationship tracking information and analyzing cultivation and solicitation results. Required Skills/Abilities: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of at least 5 years professional fundraising experience, with emphasis on major and planned gifts fundraising, preferably in higher education; or an equivalent combination of experience. A proven successful track record of soliciting and closing major gifts, recruiting and managing volunteers, and cultivation of major donors and donor prospects, is highly desirable. Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to move alumni and volunteers forward with creativity, energy and openness to others' input and ideas. Strong written and presentation skills with proven success in soliciting funds from various constituencies. Ability to travel extensively. If driving personal vehicle or university vehicle on university business, must have valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Ability to represent Drury University to alumni and external constituents in a professional, positive and knowledgeable manner at all times, establishing rapport with different types of people, while being discreet and maintaining confidentiality of information and abiding by the department's confidentiality policy on university and donor information. Ability to maintain a broad knowledge base of information about the university, schools, departments, and the overall organization and to understand its unique characteristics, purposes and philosophy. Ability to work closely with high-level decision makers, trustees, and other top-level volunteers. Must possess the skills to collaborate, communicate and cooperatively work with faculty, staff and administration, focusing on the shared strategic goals of the university to implement the annual fund and alumni program goals. Ability to understand planned giving and to bring planned giving concepts into donor discussions when necessary. Experience in planning and managing special events and fundraising activities. Experience in recruiting, training and collaboratively working with volunteers. Ability to counsel with donors, alumni, and friends to deal with problems and issues in a professional, customer service oriented manner. Willingness to join professional fundraising associations, pursue professional certification, network with other higher education professionals and appropriate community organizations to represent the university and bring best practices to the annual fund and alumni programs. Ability to be analytical, use and generate statistical information for tracking and reporting on overall donor activity and giving results. Experience with Raisers' Edge preferred and skilled use of Microsoft Office software, including Excel, as well as presentation, and website applications expected. Education and Experience: Must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of at least 5 years professional fundraising experience, with emphasis on major and planned gifts fundraising, preferably in higher education; or an equivalent combination of experience. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee Is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The ability to travel to required events as well as overnight travel is required. The noise level is the work environment is usually quiet. WORKING AT DU HAS ITS BENEFITS: Generous time off including 4+ weeks of paid time off starting your first year Free tuition for your whole family Free tickets to Drury home sporting events Health and wellness benefits at extremely competitive rates Free use of onsite fitness center on Springfield campus Discounted meals and Drury merchandise on campus