Development Director

South Dakota State University Foundation • Brookings, SD

4d

About The Position

The Development Director for the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering assists donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals while simultaneously working to help South Dakota State University advance its mission. This individual will work closely with the Dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and college leadership team on engagement of donors and prospects with great potential to support the college’s priority funding objectives. This individual will work with the SDSU Foundation Leadership to set the strategic direction for fundraising efforts and implement a comprehensive plan for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts to increase support and achieve goals that truly make a difference within the college.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum of three years of professional fundraising experience or appropriate related experience (such as public relations, sales, marketing, or alumni relations) required.
• A high level of interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, to handle sensitive and confidential situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
• Customer service skills requiring clear communication in person, on the phone, and in writing are essential.
• A high level of integrity, including ability to treat confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to be organized and resourceful to locate and compile information and accomplish projects with minimal supervision.
• Consistent attention to detail in composing and proofing materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment with professional demeanor, self-reliance, and resourcefulness.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• High energy, positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.
• Proficient experience using the most recent versions of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

• Background within Higher Education fundraising is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Solicit donations to increase philanthropic support for the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and South Dakota State University, focusing on commitments of $50,000 of more.
• Establish and manage relationships in an evolving portfolio of approximately 75 to 125 prospects and donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Build and nurture collaborative, donor-centric long-term relationships with major gift donors.
• Ensure consistent, appropriate, and timely stewardship through personal recognition, ongoing communications, and invitations to key events.
• Effectively match the interests of prospects and donors to specific college and university needs.
• Draft and customize correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for identified prospects and donors.
• Gather data, assess prospects, and develop comprehensive long-range and short-term strategies designed to realize the current and lifetime giving potential of individual prospects.
• Design and execute appropriate and effective cultivation and solicitation strategies to move assigned prospects through the gift cycle.
• Develop a pipeline of future major donors capable of making significant gifts to the university by participating in the identification, qualification, and evaluation of major and planned gift prospects.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of pertinent communications and contact reports following prospect and donor engagements within database.
• Ensure that the SDSU Foundation is viewed as a transparent, collaborative, responsive partner to be able to professionally address both opportunities and concerns.
• Coordinate with the Dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering to create and implement a comprehensive major gift development plan.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, as well as major priorities of the university.
• Collaborate with the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering leadership team to identify and prepare volunteers, including Faculty/Staff, Trustees, and Development Council members, to assist in the development process when applicable.
• Through collegial consultation and cooperation, model and encourage a donor-centered culture of collaboration that includes multidisciplinary priorities supporting the overall goals of the university.
• Actively collaborate across the holistic development programs for the college including Annual Programs, Corporate and SDSU Foundation Relations, Planned Giving, and the Alumni Association.
• Serve as an advocate for the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, South Dakota State University, and the SDSU Foundation.
• Travel regionally/nationally as well as attend evening and weekend activities as required.
• Annually attend/participate in a wide sampling of university and campus events related to your assigned college/unit and others that fall outside of your primary area or responsibility to gain a strong understanding of South Dakota State University.
• Other duties may be assigned to meet the organization’s needs.

What This Job Offers

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