Assistant Director, Development

University of Dayton•Dayton, OH

10d

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, devising cultivation and solicitation strategies, including ask amounts, and meeting activity and revenue goals. The position plans and maintains a regular travel schedule locally and within assigned regional territories. It uses telephone, email, and personal visits to cultivate prospective donors; participates in development events and programs; engages key volunteers; and conducts stewardship and donor-relations activities. The Assistant Director solicits major gifts for core University priorities in collaboration with donors, colleagues, unit fundraisers, and volunteers. The role documents cultivation progress and visit outcomes, identifies and qualifies prospects annually, 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 performed from a University of Dayton office or a home office, preferably in the West Region because of the location of assigned prospects.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least two years of experience in university-based fundraising, nonprofit fundraising, or outside sales.
Successful demonstration in reaching defined goals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with various constituent types.
Proficiency in MS 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.

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 and problem solving.
Organizational skills applied in a fundraising or sales role.
Experience developing short- and long-term prospect strategies.
Customer service experience.
Ability to adapt to changing needs and environments and manage multiple concurrent tasks.
Experience effectively managing volunteers.
Ability to maximize results by defining and following a plan.
Experience developing and maintaining relationships.
Good judgment when discussing alumni, issues, and results; composure and calm demeanor 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.
Successful demonstration in 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 maintain contact to promote positive donor relations.
Solicit major gifts for core University priorities, working with donors, department colleagues, unit fundraisers, and volunteers.
Communicate cultivation progress and visit results to relevant staff and document them in contact reports, with emphasis on identifying major donor prospects.
Identify and qualify prospects each year for major gift capacity and interest.
Serve as a liaison between the Office of Development, University departments, and donors.