Director, Development- Performance

Georgia State University•Atlanta, GA

10d

About The Position

Georgia State University Advancement works to further Georgia State’s status as a national leader in student success, research and innovation, and cultural impact. By connecting with alumni, engaging donors, and increasing philanthropic support for students and scholars, we’re helping to transform lives and build our global community. The University Advancement Division furthers the university and its mission through several departments, including Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Alumni Relations, and the Georgia State University Foundation. These are exciting times at the University Advancement. We are growing, and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to identify, cultivate, and steward donors. Are you ready for us? Are you seeking an opportunity with purpose and direction? If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We hire great people from a wide variety of educational, career, and personal backgrounds, not just because it is the right thing to do but because it makes us a stronger team. University Advancement is seeking (1) Director of Development to join the already incredible team taking Georgia State University to the next level of excellence WHAT MAKES UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT A GREAT PLACE? Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc. A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with cross-campus and external partners Professional development opportunity and mentorship A rapidly growing center within an academic setting Job Summary The Director of Development is a major gift front-line fundraiser, responsible for leading major gift strategies from identification through stewardship. Directors of Development will manage individual portfolios with prospects capable of giving $25,000 and above. Portfolios will range in size from 120-150 individuals, with visits ranging between 10-15 per month, and fundraising goals will be equivalent to and at a minimum of $1-2M annually. Directors are responsible for having comprehensive understanding of university priorities, regularly meeting with advancement colleagues and academic leaders, preparing briefing materials and gift proposals, attending events and supervising projects as assigned. Successful candidates will approach their role with a sense of donor-centeredness, collaboration and transparency. They will have strong communication skills and be willing to serve as role models to other professional and support staff. High integrity, strong self-motivation, innovation, flexibility and passion are all valued qualities on the University Advancement team. Additionally, successful candidates will have a proven ability to build long-term relationships while also consistently meeting fundraising goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience of gifts of $25,000 or more; or a combination of education and related experience.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 120-150 prospects. Ensure regular contact with donors through various activities and communications, especially face-to-face visits.
Qualify major gift prospects and solicit gifts directly by conducting 10 – 15 face-to-face visits per month and consistently raising a minimum of $1M - $2M annually.
Identify new major gift prospects: develop and execute cultivation and solicitation plans for gifts primarily $50,000 and above from individuals, corporations and foundations. Ensure that predetermined fundraising goals are met by designing and implementing highly specialized activities for portfolio prospects and donors.
Write proposals for solicitation of high-value individuals, corporate, and / or foundation prospects. Corresponding to prospect’s interest, develop persuasive written and oral presentations, gift proposals, concept papers, and/or informal descriptions for gift ideas for presentations to donors, adhering to campus policies and procedures governing gifts. Meet with administration to identify needs and develop specific proposals and solicitation methods.
May attend functions, meetings and serve on internal / external committees as a representative of assigned cohort, Advancement, or the University. Work nights and weekends, when necessary, travel (via plane, train, or car) at least 15%25 of the time within and outside of the state of Georgia.
Work with University Advancement leadership and the Donor Relations team to develop, implement and coordinate donor recognition and stewardship opportunities.
Work with the Donor Relations team to develop and present impact reports to donors on the use of gift funds, with emphasis on longer-term outcomes.
Serve as an expert or lead development professional for major gifts in cohort area.
In accordance with division practices and procedures: Maintain accurate records for prospects and donors within Ascend CRM; Report the status of pledges and gifts to the Offices of Gifts & Records and Foundation Accounting.
Enter and review contact reports, attend prospect management meetings, and compile meaningful reports of Advancement operations that will adequately inform the various GSU constituents.
Connect with donors related to endowed funds and scholarships, including sharing endowment reports, connecting with scholarship students, and other specialized activities.
Work cooperatively with university and college/unit leadership, development officers, faculty, staff and administrative personnel to coordinate successful advancement efforts. As requested, attend and actively participate in cohort and Advancement team meetings, team-building activities, committees, work groups, task forces, etc. as part of responsibility to the larger campus community
Serve as a thoughtful, collaborative and accountable team member. Commit to ethical standards and adheres to the Donor Bill of Rights. Commit to the highest standards of civility and decency toward all and to promoting and supporting a community where all people can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of abuse.
These responsibilities are not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties if requested by the supervisor. Responsibilities are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary.