APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.
The Associate Director of Development serves on Azusa Pacific University’s Advancement team, and is responsible for building a new portfolio of midlevel and major donor relationships, and meeting fundraising goals and objectives as articulated in APU’s strategic plan, Renewal. The Associate Director of Development will be responsible for discovery, cultivation, solicitation and retention of current and prospective donors for the annual fund, as well as securing major gifts for strategic plan initiatives. This position reports to the Director of Development.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
- BA degree required.
- Master's degree preferred
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience with direct fundraising experience.
- Candidates must have excellent written, verbal communication skills and critical thinking ability; winsome and relational, possess the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of professionals; conceptualize, and attend to detail, work successfully under time pressure constraints to meet metrics and goal assignments, and handle competing priorities; be a strong self-starter and intrinsically motivated.
- Expectation of significant travel; 40 – 50% external work and travel throughout Southern California, and regionally, flexible work schedule that supports early morning, evening and weekend work, as needed.
PRIMARY DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- As an external representative of APU, the Associate Director of Development must align with and fully support APU’s What We Believe, and demonstrate a visible, vibrant, and authentic Christian faith, and character.
- Role requires strong and winsome relational and communication skills to cultivate new donors from a universe of assigned discovery contacts (alumni, parents and friends of university).
- Responsible for meeting individual fund raising goals and metrics as assigned.
- Cultivates and builds authentic and strategic relationships with assigned donors and prospects.
- Manages a portfolio of 120 – 150 current and prospective donors, and conducts a minimum of 20 face-to-face donor visits per month.
- Prepares and presents funding proposals to current and prospective donors.
- Develops and incorporates estate planning resources to assist in identifying planned giving opportunities.
- Assists with and attends Advancement and University events (may include evenings and weekends).
- Provides accurate information of all prospect and donor activity in Raiser's Edge; documentation in the form of contact reports and strategy statements to be housed in the central Raiser's Edge system.
- Manages assigned donor relationships and upholds APU’s philosophy of stewardship.
- Regular, punctual attendance as required by the supervisor based on department needs.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Assists other development operations as needed.
- Utilizes prospect research data to cultivate prospective donors.
- Develops and implements appropriate strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of both annual and major gifts.
- Serves as an APU ambassador by managing assigned donor relationships with a high level of integrity, authenticity and confidentiality. Maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the university community; demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of APU.
SKILLS
- Ability to understand, embrace and communicate APU’s Christian doctrine, mission and ethos; must affirm, support and sustain APU’s “What We Believe.”
- Must have a strong liberal arts orientation, and a growing breadth of knowledge to relate university priorities to external constituents.
- A curious and inquisitive spirit that thrives in discovering donor’s values and animating interests in order to connect those passions to university priorities.
- Exhibit a professional and mature presentation and demeanor.
- Excellent organizational, written and oral skills.
- Consistently growing judgement that guides the ability to make sound decisions on behalf of APU and on behalf of donors.
- Other necessary characteristics: leadership, team-orientation, innovation, honesty, responsiveness, servant attitude, vision, initiative, drive, adaptability, ability to follow through and maintain confidentiality.
MENTAL DEMANDS
- Ability to work under pressure, exuding a mature demeanor while multi-tasking in a deadline oriented environment with accuracy and consistency.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as an independent contributor.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and discretionary skills in determining when to act independently and when to consult management prior to taking action.
- Self-starter with a positive and persistent attitude.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to travel extensively locally and regionally, as much as 40-50% external work.
- Requires repetitive motion and sitting at computer keyboard.
- Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
- Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various University locations.
- Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.
- Must be able to climb stairs multiple times in a work day.
VISUAL DEMANDS
- Computer monitor and reading.
ENVIRONMENT
- Pleasant office setting, comfortable temperature.
TECHNOLOGIES
- Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.
COMPENSATION
- Grade 15: $79,253-$103,029/annually
Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.
You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/
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Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates, including a DMV check.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Required Skills
Required Experience