Assistant Director (Development)

Gallaudet University•Washington, DC

9d•$70,878 - $94,469

About The Position

Gallaudet University is a bilingual, diverse, and multicultural institution of higher education dedicated to the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, part of the university, operates education programs and national outreach programs for deaf and hard of hearing students and those who serve them. Reporting to the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, the Assistant Director of Development advances the university’s mission by securing private support from individuals, foundations, and organizations. The role builds and manages a donor and prospect portfolio, guides constituents through the fundraising cycle, and aligns external support with institutional priorities through research, proposal writing, and strategic engagement. It also supports faculty and staff with funding applications, manages proposal and grant tracking, and travels as needed to meet and engage prospective funders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least three years of professional experience in business operations, project management, community engagement, sales and fundraising, or a related field.
Ability to communicate in American Sign Language.
Strong technological and database literacy.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop clear, concise, well-crafted professional presentations.
Ability to work independently and exercise tact and good judgment.
Ability to synthesize and articulate university priorities and match them with the values and interests of prospects.
Demonstrated ability to work across university departments and with outside constituents and groups.
Successful completion of a background check before beginning work at Gallaudet University.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

Build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, including alumni, major gift donors, corporations, and foundations.
Guide constituents through the fundraising cycle to develop partnerships involving major gifts, deferred giving, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
Align external support with institutional priorities through research, proposal writing, and strategic donor engagement.
Cultivate relationships with donors and constituents and solicit their support.
Develop, implement, and evaluate fund development portfolio strategies to meaningfully engage donors.
Lead and organize donor visits and meetings to qualify, cultivate, and solicit gifts and grants; travel to meet prospective funders as needed.
Write proposals and grants that support institutional priorities and align with the university’s strategic plans.
Conduct discovery research, including reviewing published funder guidelines and donor priorities, to develop a portfolio of constituents capable of making major investments.
Identify prospects and, with guidance and direction, design and implement strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
Draft, review, and edit complex proposals, letters, gift agreements, and reports; compile supporting documentation and prepare leadership briefing materials as needed.
Maintain an accurate gifts and grants calendar, tracking proposal submissions, awards, and reports.
Consult faculty and program administration subject-matter experts to develop information documents about the university and its need for private support.
Assist faculty and staff with preparing and submitting applications for research or program funding.
Travel nationwide as needed for relationship management and to keep Gallaudet top of mind.
Host campus visits for donors and related constituents and participate in or arrange visits to donor sites for campus leadership.
Participate in activities and workshops that foster continuous learning and in university-wide development activities as needed.
Maintain positive and supportive working relationships with co-workers and supervisors, demonstrate commitment to workplace belonging, and participate in continuous learning activities.
Serve as a mandatory reporter under Title IX and complete annual Title IX training and other compliance requirements.
Prioritize workplace safety, adhere to safety procedures and protocols, and promptly report hazards or incidents.
Perform related and other duties as needed.