Director of Philanthropy

Austin Peay State University • Clarksville, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Austin Peay State University is seeking a Director of Philanthropy for the Division of Student Affairs. The position identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major-gift prospects, with a primary focus on prospects capable of gifts of $25,000 or more. As institutional priorities evolve, additional fundraising responsibilities may be assigned in support of the university’s philanthropic goals.

The Director works with area leadership to identify funding priorities and raises major gifts through pledges, outright gifts, or deferred gifts. The role manages a portfolio of 85–100 qualified prospects, develops and executes donor plans, and makes at least 20 contacts per month, at least half of them personal, direct contacts. The Director serves as the principal liaison between the Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy and Student Affairs leadership, staff, and faculty; coordinates donor engagement and experiences; supports sponsorship opportunities; and documents gifts and pledges in accordance with university procedures.

The position also collaborates with Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, Athletics, and other internal stakeholders on fundraising-related events and activities. It provides donor stewardship, maintains accurate activity records in the CRM system, and coordinates a unit advisory council, including agendas, member engagement, follow-up communications, and recruitment.

The role requires extensive travel—approximately 40% of the time, including overnight travel and occasional weekends—and may require weekend and nighttime work. Physical demands are sedentary, involving exertion of up to 10 pounds occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, sales, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work with stakeholders at all levels to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to balance strategic and scheduled responsibilities.
• Ability to travel extensively, approximately 40% of the time, including overnight travel and occasional weekends.
• Ability to work weekends and nights and travel when necessary.
• Results-oriented professional characteristics, including leadership, commitment to confidentiality, flexibility, team orientation, attention to detail, and sensitivity to stewardship of long-term relationships.
• Experience cultivating and maintaining donors in a mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities

• Work with area leadership to identify and define priorities for external funding.
• Raise major gifts for area priorities through pledges, outright gifts, or deferred gifts.
• Plan and execute development plans, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major-gift donors.
• Manage a portfolio of 85–100 qualified major-gift prospects, including top prospects requiring attention from the APSU President or area leadership.
• Complete 20 or more donor contacts per month, at least half through personal, direct contact.
• Serve as the main liaison between the Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy and unit leadership, staff, and faculty.
• Document gifts and pledges and follow gift acceptance, recording, and acknowledgment policies and procedures.
• Coordinate donor engagement opportunities for the Vice President of Student Affairs.
• Assist with sponsorship opportunities connected to student engagement initiatives, career readiness, and wellbeing.
• Coordinate donor experiences connected to key initiatives.
• Work with Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, Athletics, and other internal stakeholders to support fundraising through participation in alumni and university events or meetings as needed.
• Provide consistent donor stewardship, including event invitations and impact reports.
• Monitor and accurately and promptly enter activities in the CRM system.
• Coordinate a unit advisory council, including agendas, engagement experiences, follow-up communications, and recruitment of new members.

What This Job Offers

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