Institutional Advancement - Director of Major Gifts

D'Youville University • Buffalo, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Major Gifts (DMG) is an integral role in the D’Youville University Department of Institutional Advancement who is significantly responsible for the creation of fundraising plans, implementation of strategies, and supervision of D’Youville’s major gift and corporate relations efforts. The DMG cultivates relationships with existing major gift prospects and identifies new prospects for university priorities, including capital needs, endowed scholarships, and other initiatives. Partnering with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and other Advancement team members, the DMG assists in the management of major gift work, annual giving, and capital project giving. The DMG collaborates with campus partners and efficiently and effectively communicates with all internal and external constituents. The DMG supervises staff as recommended by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The DMG is expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the institution’s mission, programs, and current projects. They work well in individual and group settings, maintain professionalism at all times, are organized, dependable and trustworthy. To succeed in this role, the DMG is a self-starter and is driven by direct donor stewardship and fundraising results. The DMG is supervised by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience required, senior level experience in higher education or an aligned nonprofit field is preferred.
• Comprehensive computer skills, with the ability to learn new and emerging technology.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A proven record of success and experience in fundraising for higher educations, nonprofit sector, or related experience.
• The ability to project a strong positive image of D’Youville University through personal interaction with donors, alumni and friends.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills—strategic planning, setting deadlines, and evaluating progress.
• A demonstrated ability to organize, motivate, and lead staff and volunteers.
• The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Ability to travel within and outside the Buffalo-Niagara region on a regular basis (weekly donor meetings and/or engagement is expected).
• Flexibility to handle changing priorities; working efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Positive, donor-centric attitude to work with and support the intentions of prospects, donors, and campus partners.
• Facilitates charitable giving to meet the needs of donors and the university by remaining current on technical and tax code matters affecting donors and charitable giving.
• Adept at managing multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously, with a strong ability to think creatively, solve complex problems, and drive innovative solutions.
• Must possess a donor, alumni, and student-centered personal philosophy.
• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours.
• Uphold and abide by D’Youville University policies and procedures, including but not limited to Title IX and Information Security, including but not limited to FERPA and other state and federal guidelines and mandates.
• This position demands accuracy, honesty, integrity, and the ability to support the mission, vision, and purpose of D’Youville University.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in a relevant field is desired.
• Computer literacy, particularly related to Blackbaud database or related CRM is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Continually cultivate, solicit, and steward of donor prospects with gift potential of $5,000+.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-100 major gifts donors and prospects.
• Make recommendations and lead the process to implement a comprehensive corporate relations program at D’Youville University.
• Partner with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement about relationship management of key major donors and prospects.
• Manage systems, metrics, and reports that track progress and donor activity through the donor database and wealth screening tools.
• Utilize moves management best practices and plans.
• Assist deans, department chairs, and other staff with solicitation by providing portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications.
• Partner with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and other Advancement team members in the administration of Annual Giving, Endowed Scholarship, and Planned Giving programs.
• Partner with the Alumni Engagement team to implement programs that foster alumni involvement and to encourage meaningful and productive alumni giving.
• Supervise gift officers as recommended by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Department of Institutional Advancement by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range reflects good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

What This Job Offers

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