Assitant Director of Development

Dakota State University • Madison, SD

20d

About The Position

Dakota State University seeks a relationship builder to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more. The Assistant Director of Development helps create philanthropic partnerships that support the university’s vision and strengthen its future. The role works with university leadership and colleagues across the university to connect funding priorities with donor opportunities, and represents the university at events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Education, Accounting, Finance, or another related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in fundraising, particularly in major gifts or leadership giving.
• Strong ability to build relationships, listen to donor needs, and cultivate donor loyalty.
• Ability to analyze donor data and fundraising trends to develop strategies.
• Comfort with public speaking and presenting to groups of various sizes.
• Creative, analytical, and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with database management systems.
• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of philanthropic partners.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential donors through research, interviews, and other engagement methods.
• Develop and implement personalized strategies to cultivate relationships with prospects.
• Solicit gifts that align with the strategic needs of the university.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing donors through consistent communication and recognition efforts.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records of interactions, proposals, and contributions in Raiser’s Edge.
• Work with university leadership to understand funding priorities and translate them into compelling donor opportunities.
• Partner with colleagues across the university to identify potential prospects and create donor engagement plans.
• Plan and attend events to engage potential and existing donors while representing the university’s mission and goals.

Benefits

• Flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and hospital indemnity insurance; flexible spending account; health savings account; and health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System, with 6% fully matched contributions and vesting after three years of service.
• Paid time off: full-time, 12-month employees earn 15 days of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year.
• 11 paid federal holidays.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage.
• Paid family leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level