Director of Development

Position Summary:

The Development Director (Major Gifts) is responsible for donor relations including research and identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts from alumnae and friends of the University.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Implement all aspects of gift cycle including identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Focus on securing support for university priorities such as academic programs, scholarships, unrestricted, facility renovation/expansion, and other campus improvements
• Work collaboratively with and in support of volunteers, development staff, and other university representatives to achieve established goals
• Document all prospect and donor actions for historical records, accountability, analysis, and planning.
• Manage related expense budget
• Build and manage portfolio of approximately 100 mid-major gift prospects
• Organize or participate in other initiatives to promote the University and philanthropy
• Stewardship preparation and reporting related to scholarships & endowment funds
• Provide effective training, support and leadership for campaign volunteers and leaders to meet annual financial goals
• Act as an ambassador of the University and actively seek out opportunities to become involved in the community
• Create strategies to market to major donors in concert with the PR/Marketing Office/Alumnae Relations
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree, CFRE a plus
• A minimum of 3 years successful major gifts experience preferably in higher education or closely related field
• Understand and affirm the mission of Mount Mary University and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and the University
• Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the University's fundraising priorities by developing excellent relationships with faculty, administration, trustees, volunteers, and the Alumnae & Donor Relations team
• Successful experience in making cold calls, as well as, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Adheres to the highest ethical standards; demonstrates empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflects an optimistic and positive attitude, and conveys a sensitivity to needs and rights of the donors
• Excellent interpersonal skills, writing and listening skills, and a demonstrated record of completing assignments
• Be a good steward of University and donor resources
• Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize donor software: research, report writing and analysis

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions.

Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift
• Must sit, walk or stand
• Some repetitive motion may be required

Working Conditions:

• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments
• Must be willing to travel occasionally
• Must have mode of transportation to meet with donors

Mount Mary University practices equal opportunity employment as part of our ongoing commitment to diversity in our workplace.