DIRECTOR/DEVELOPMENT/CBA & CS&E

at  Central Michigan University

The Director of Development for the Colleges of Business Administration (CBA) and Science and Engineering (CS&E) is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering college and/or program specific development efforts to support the unit’s annual and major gift fundraising operations while coordinating with a larger development team. Responsibilities include developing strategies to accomplish unit fundraising goals, coordinating a development team in support of philanthropic efforts, and planning and conducting programs designed to promote the public’s understanding of each unit’s activities and research with the aim of cultivating donors and raising money. These efforts may include, but are not limited to annual giving, major gift development, corporate and foundation relations, and planned gift identification and advancement. The Director of Development has the responsibility to raise upwards of $2,500,000. This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Advancement & Campaign Strategies and works collaboratively with university leadership, development colleagues, and other university partners.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree.
Six years of professional experience in sales, marketing, fundraising, or a related field.
Demonstrated successful and progressively responsible relationship development experience in fundraising, sales, customer service, and/or alumni/donor relations.
Must be able to make compelling direct, face-to-face solicitations as well as in written proposals, and assist other staff with their solicitation plans (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
Exceptional interpersonal and persuasive verbal and written communication skills including projecting a positive and professional attitude.
Proven track record working both independently and as part of a team while inspiring trust and confidence with colleagues and constituents.
Ability to successfully handle competing priorities and manage projects.
Proficiency with Microsoft e-mail, excel, word, and online applications.
Must possess, or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license.
Ability to meet travel requirements, including air and vehicle travel.
Must be able to lift and carry files and promotional materials.
Must be willing to work evening and/or weekend hours as necessary.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Higher education experience.
Experience in leveraging the advantages of social media, virtual presentation methods, and website resources to make connections and build relationships.
Experience in proposal development and/or grant writing.
Experience with prospect relationship development/management and/or other similar client development principles and techniques.
Fundraising experience closing major gifts of $100,000 and more.
Experience working with academic and administration leadership.
Ability to plan and execute a fundraising project from conception to realization.
Demonstrated ability to effectively create and maintain relationships with a constituent base.
Knowledge of charitable giving regulations and various gift vehicles.
Proficient in the use of data to develop performance measurements, show portfolio growth, and project gift yield.

Manages a portfolio of upwards of 200 donors and prospects utilizing the university’s Advancement CRM.
Actively engages and builds relationships with a portfolio of current donors and prospects with leadership major gift potential to build a sustainable donor pipeline.
Proactively identifies and launches initiatives that drive donations toward strategic priorities.
Leverages social media and virtual communication tools to build relationships with constituents.
Develops qualification and cultivation strategies and solicitation plans for assigned prospects.
Consistently meets deadlines and follows standard operating administrative protocols.
Remains current with research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
Remains knowledgeable of current events throughout the university and communities we serve.
Leverages volunteer structures to assist with fundraising activities.
Develops, implements, and administers specific development efforts to support the priorities of the Colleges of Business Administration and Science and Engineering while coordinating with the larger development team.
Tracks and reports progress using specific metrics and business plans.

Annually meets or exceeds goals set forth by the Vice President of Advancement, including:

• Executing upwards of 20 outbound touchpoints weekly including virtual meetings and facilitated contacts.
• Building an active portfolio of upwards of 120 donors capable of making a major gift within a three-year time frame.
• Raising upwards of $2,500,000 annually from portfolio.

Participates in university and divisional activities and committees.
Performs other duties as assigned.