Director of Development

Augustana University • Sioux Falls, SD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Augustana University invites applications for a Director of Development. This position is an integral member of the Advancement team, responsible for building and managing relationships with major gift prospects and current donors. The Director of Development develops and implements strategies to secure philanthropic support from alumni, parents, friends, and other supporters of the University while connecting donor interests with Augustana’s priorities and mission. The position manages a portfolio of major gift prospects with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 or greater and participates in comprehensive asks that may include annual, capital, endowment, and planned gifts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required.
• Three or more years of successful fundraising experience, including direct solicitation and successful closing of five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts from individuals.
• Experience assessing donor or client needs and interests and developing meaningful relationships.
• Experience creating, implementing, and evaluating strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate a compelling case for support and inspire donors or clients to act.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively toward deadlines and fundraising goals.
• Strong commitment to ethical fundraising practices and the mission, goals, and objectives of private higher education.
• Ability to travel regionally and throughout the United States and attend occasional evening and weekend events.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with strong related experience and transferable skills may also be considered.
• Experience working in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a portfolio of at least 150 qualified major gift prospects who can be solicited within a one-year timeframe.
• Develop and implement individualized strategies for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects.
• Conduct an average of 12 to 15 quality visits per month with major gift prospects.
• Present an average of two to three major gift proposals per month.
• Continually review and update donor and prospect ratings based on research, engagement, and visits.
• Manage donor relationships and moves management activity using the University’s donor tracking system.
• Develop comprehensive giving opportunities that may include annual unrestricted support, capital, endowment, and planned gifts.
• Build strong working relationships with faculty, senior academic leaders, trustees, volunteers, and members of the Advancement team to advance University fundraising priorities.
• Meet or exceed established annual fundraising and donor engagement goals.

What This Job Offers

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