Director of Development, Foundation Relations

Georgia State University•Atlanta, GA

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. Corporate and Foundation Relations The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) works with Georgia State faculty and administrators and with foundations and corporations to foster mutually beneficial collaborations and meaningful partnerships in areas such as philanthropy, sponsored research, student recruitment, technology transfer, and continuing education. 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!

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 120 – 150 prospects that include the most influential, complex, or highest capacity-rated donors. 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.
Independently lead and direct a comprehensive fundraising plan for the assigned portfolio and University Advancement fundraising initiatives. Create, write, implement, and/or evaluate individualized marketing plans and/or strategies for cultivation and solicitation of major gifts, gift planning, or corporate/foundation prospects that require a high degree of innovation. Collaborate with Advancement departments in developing plans and strategies customized for prospects and donors, as appropriate.
In consultation with supervisor and peers, identify, develop, initiate, and manage fundraising efforts in support of University Advancement goals for campus cohorts to include current funding priorities, special fundraising initiatives, prospect pipeline, and develop individual and programmatic strategies for moving prospects from identification and qualification to solicitation and closure. Coordinate activities with other development officers and entities, including deans, faculty, staff, and administrators. Identify, organize, and direct the efforts of philanthropic volunteers.
Write complex proposals for solicitation of high-value individuals, corporate, and/or foundation prospects. Corresponding to the 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. Present formal fundraising proposals to major donors and prospects or prepare senior management for the presentation of proposals. 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.
Serve as a resource for the assigned cohort, interacting with prospects, donors, staff, and outside professionals to provide information, advice, and counsel regarding the assigned specialized program(s). Work with University Advancement leadership and the Offices of Donor Experience and Engagement to develop, implement, and coordinate donor recognition and stewardship opportunities.
Work with University Advancement leadership and the Offices of Donor Experience and Engagement to develop and present reports to donors on the use of gift funds, with emphasis on longer-term outcomes and leveraging of gift funds.
Create, establish, and evaluate methods for building/maintaining prospect and volunteer constituencies and identify, recruit, and direct the activities of high-level volunteers. Provide leadership to implement successful donor relations and stewardship programs and initiatives to ensure regular contact with donors through various activities and communications. Provide vehicles for continued awareness on the part of donors of current unit needs and objectives in order to encourage continued giving.
Serve as an expert or lead development professional in a cohort area, such as major gifts, gift planning, or corporate / foundation relations, that includes donors capable of making very significant contributions to the University. Responsible for ensuring collaboration with Prospect Management & Research, Donor Relations, Gifts & Records, Development IT, and Foundation Accounting to ensure proper records are kept during all phases of fundraising.
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 the responsibility to the larger campus community.
Serve as a thoughtful, collaborative, and accountable team member. Commit to ethical standards and adhere 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.

Benefits

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

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