Development Coordinator

Drury University•Springfield, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Development Coordinator is responsible for managing and implementing fundraising efforts to secure philanthropic support from alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and friends of Drury University. Using best practices and supported by a strong research, analytics, and Advancement Services team, this position helps expand the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors supporting university-wide priorities and designated projects. The position serves as the primary liaison between University Advancement and the Department of Athletics or another unit, coordinating fundraising initiatives, gift development, sport-specific fundraising strategies, and donor stewardship in partnership with the Executive Vice President for University Advancement and the Director of Athletics. This position also provides centralized coordination for corporate and foundation grant proposal development, grant application tracking, reporting requirements, corporate partnerships, and strategic fundraising initiatives supporting academic and institutional priorities. Regional travel is expected.

Requirements

Demonstrated success in annual, major, or leadership gift fundraising.
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
Ability to coordinate multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Experience working collaboratively with diverse campus constituencies.
Ability to analyze fundraising activity and maintain accurate records.
Experience preparing proposals, reports, and donor communications.
Strong proficiency with donor databases (Blackbaud preferred), Microsoft Office, and CRM systems.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and represent the University professionally.
Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Ability to travel throughout the region and work occasional evenings and weekends.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required.
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, grant administration, nonprofit management, higher education, or a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Knowledge of grant development, grant administration, or grant reporting is preferred.
Experience working with athletics fundraising, corporate partnerships, or grant coordination is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward annual, major, endowment, and planned gifts.
Prepare an annual portfolio plan in consultation with the Executive Vice President for University Advancement.
Meet established performance metrics including donor visits, proposals, solicitations, stewardship contacts, and gift commitments.
Prepare donor correspondence, proposals, contact reports, briefing materials, and stewardship communications.
Maintain accurate records and activity reports within the University's constituent relationship management system.
Participate in regular prospect review meetings and collaborate with colleagues on donor strategies.
Serve as the primary liaison between University Advancement and the Department of Athletics or other unit as assigned regarding all philanthropic activities.
Collaborate with the Director of Athletics, coaches, and Advancement leadership to develop comprehensive fundraising strategies for Athletics.
Coordinate sport-specific fundraising efforts in collaboration with coaches while ensuring consistency with University Advancement policies and institutional fundraising priorities.
Develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for former student-athletes, athletic alumni, and athletic supporters.
Coordinate donor stewardship activities, recognition programs, and communications supporting Athletics.
Collaborate with the Director of Engagement & Annual Giving on athletics annual giving campaigns while providing leadership annual gift strategy and cultivation for athletic donors.
Participate in strategic planning related to Athletics fundraising and philanthropic engagement.
Maintain the Advancement’s centralized grant calendar, including proposal deadlines, reporting deadlines, renewal opportunities, and stewardship requirements.
Coordinate grant proposal development timelines among faculty, administrators, Advancement, Finance, consultants, and funding agencies.
Maintain records of submitted proposals, awards, pending applications, reporting schedules, and grant outcomes.
Assist with identifying foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
Assist with development and implementation of the University's Corporate Partnership Program.
Coordinate sponsorship agreements and corporate engagement activities.
Maintain corporate partner records, benefit fulfillment, and stewardship activities.
Collaborate with academic and administrative units to identify partnership opportunities supporting University priorities.
May supervise student employees, interns, or temporary staff.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the university’s policies and applicable law.