Director of Donor Partnerships

Director of Donor Partnerships

Work Location: On-site and Travel

Classification: Salary - Full Time

To apply, candidates may email a resume, cover letter, and professional references to Wilbur Reid, VP of Advancement, at [email protected].

Job Summary

The Director of Donor Partnerships at Johnson University is a full-time position responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospects with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 or greater. This position serves as a strategic fundraising professional who builds meaningful relationships with high-capacity individuals, matching donor interests with university priorities to secure transformational gifts in support of Johnson University's mission and strategic initiatives. The Director of Donor Partnerships reports to the Vice President for Advancement and serves as a key member of the advancement office staff, working collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and volunteers to advance the institution's philanthropic goals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 100-125 major gift prospects and donors, including ongoing identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Develop and implement comprehensive individualized strategies for each prospect that align donor interests with university priorities and funding needs.
• Conduct a minimum of 150 meaningful donor contacts annually, including personal visits, phone calls, and written correspondence, with emphasis on face-to-face visits.
• Make personal solicitations and close major gifts at the $25,000+ level, meeting or exceeding annual fundraising goals as established by the Vice President for Advancement.
• Research and analyze prospect capacity, interests, and giving history using Salesforce and other prospect research tools to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Partner with the President, Vice President for Advancement, academic deans, faculty, and other university leaders in donor visits and solicitations.
• Prepare compelling written proposals, gift agreements, and other donor communication materials that articulate funding opportunities and the impact of philanthropic support.
• Plan and execute cultivation events and stewardship activities that engage major gift donors and strengthen their connection to the University.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor contacts, strategies, and activities in Salesforce database.
• Identify and recruit volunteer leadership for fundraising initiatives and provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure their success.
• Collaborate with the Director of Church Relations, Director of Alumni Relationships, and other advancement staff to coordinate donor engagement strategies and maximize fundraising outcomes.
• Stay current on institutional priorities, academic programs, campus initiatives, and student success stories to effectively articulate funding needs to donors.
• Participate in the Festival of Christmas Joy, Renew in the Smokies, and other key Advancement events as assigned.
• Prepare regular progress reports on portfolio activity, fundraising results, and prospect pipeline for the Vice President for Advancement and senior leadership.
• Attend professional development opportunities, conferences, and training sessions to enhance major gift fundraising skills and knowledge.
• Other duties as directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing major gifts ($25,000+) from individuals preferred.
• Experience in higher education advancement and/or deep knowledge of Johnson University strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals and secure transformational gifts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with donors, university leadership, faculty, staff, and volunteers at all levels.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals and funding appeals.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or similar donor database systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential donor information.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Johnson University and Christian higher education.
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) or willingness to pursue certification is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Working at a desk in a climate-controlled office, but involves considerable standing, walking, and activity during campus events and donor visits.
• Extensive travel (up to 50%) will be required for donor visits, cultivation events, and professional development.
• Evening and weekend work required for donor meetings and university events.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Provider

Johnson University is a Christian university affiliated with Christian churches and churches of Christ. Its mission is to educate and develop students who advance the worldwide mission of Christ through their lives, ministries, and careers. Accordingly, Johnson University seeks to hire and educate individuals who share its vision and core values to carry out that mission. Johnson University does not unlawfully discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability-if such disability may be accommodated without undue hardship-in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.

The University, however, reserves the right under those provisions to make certain employment decisions based on religion, marital status, or sex consistent with the University's religious beliefs when establishing qualifications for certain positions. Further, as a Christian ministry, the University retains the right to select those who serve in ministerial positions, as that term has been defined by the courts in the context of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, based on criteria established by the University without regard to Title VII, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law governing the employment relationship.