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 has the flexibility to be based in DeLand with a regional portfolio or it could be a hybrid/remote position based in the Tampa Bay or Southwest Florida region(s).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Employment duties will include, but not be limited to:
- Collaborate with the dean(s), faculty members and the AVP of Development Initiatives 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
- 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
Required Skills
The Director of Development will need:
- Ability to 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 to support the fundraising program.
- Work collaboratively with deans, faculty, 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
Required Experience
- 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.
Ideal Candidate Qualifications: The ideal candidate’s qualifications for this role include:
- 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
- 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
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