Assistant Director, Development

University of Dayton, Ohio•Dayton, OH

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Development joins the University of Dayton’s Regional Philanthropy Team and is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects. The role focuses on soliciting outright gifts and three- to five-year pledges for the University and its programs. The Assistant Director qualifies, cultivates, and solicits alumni, parents, and friends capable of making major gifts, and develops cultivation and solicitation strategies, including recommended ask amounts, to meet activity and revenue goals. The position involves maintaining a regular travel schedule locally and in assigned regional territories, using telephone, email, and personal visits to engage prospective donors. The Assistant Director also participates in development events and programs, engages key volunteers, conducts donor stewardship, maintains positive donor relations, and works with donors, department colleagues, unit fundraisers, and volunteers to secure gifts for core University priorities. The role identifies and qualifies prospects, documents cultivation progress and visit outcomes, and serves as a liaison between the Office of Development, University departments, and donors. The position reports to the Director & Team Lead, Development. Work may be based in a University of Dayton office or a home office, preferably in the West Region because of the location of assigned prospects. Domestic travel and a flexible schedule may be required. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the University does not provide work visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Two years of experience in university-based fundraising, nonprofit fundraising, or outside sales.
Demonstrated success in reaching defined goals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with various constituent types.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
Ability to travel domestically and work a flexible schedule as needed.
Valid driver’s license, low-risk driving record, and insurability by the University.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the University does not provide work visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

More than two years of experience in university-based fundraising, nonprofit fundraising, or outside sales.
Successful experience soliciting and securing gifts face to face with prospects and problem solving.
Experience applying organizational skills in a fundraising or sales position.
Experience developing short- and long-term prospect strategies.
Experience providing customer service, adapting to changing needs and environments, managing multiple concurrent tasks, and managing volunteers.
Ability to maximize results by defining and following a plan and to develop and maintain relationships.
Good judgment when discussing alumni, issues, and results, and composure in difficult situations.
Previous work experience in higher education or a nonprofit environment.
Commitment to the University’s Catholic/Marianist character, personal integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Demonstrated success exceeding defined fundraising goals.
Experience with advancement databases such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce.
Ability to promote inclusive excellence in the workplace and community.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, focusing on outright gifts and three- to five-year pledges.
Qualify, cultivate, and solicit alumni, parents, and friends capable of making major gifts.
Devise and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies, including ask amounts, and meet activity and revenue goals.
Plan, manage, and maintain a regular travel schedule locally and in assigned regional territories.
Cultivate prospective donors through telephone, email, and personal visits.
Participate in events and programs supporting development activities.
Engage key volunteers and use established events and other activities to advance solicitations.
Conduct stewardship activities and initiate and maintain contact to promote positive donor relations.
Solicit major gifts for core University priorities in coordination with donors, department colleagues, unit fundraisers, and volunteers.
Communicate cultivation progress and visit results to relevant staff and document them in contact reports, with particular emphasis on identifying major donor prospects.
Identify and qualify prospects each year for major gift capacity and interest.
Act as liaison between the Office of Development, University departments, and donors.