Director of Philanthropy

Texas A&M University System • Commerce, TX

2d

About The Position

SUMMARY: The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) is a frontline fundraising position, responsible for managing a portfolio of 70-90 major (currently defined as $25,000+) and planned giving prospects and current donors. The primary focus of this position will be to identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with alumni and friends to actively solicit major outright and deferred gifts to the University, its colleges, and priority programs, in alignment with the University’s and Division’s strategic plans. The DOP will develop, coordinate, and maintain comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Further, the DOP will work closely with deans, board members, philanthropy operations, and other faculty and staff to promote and grow a robust culture of philanthropy to meet the financial goals of the institution. ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience.
• Demonstrated relationship management experience and success in planned or major gift fundraising or related environment.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising or sales experience.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, persuasive writing, working directly with volunteers and effective personal correspondence and communications with donors.
• Demonstrated understanding of relational fundraising and skill to convincingly articulate needs and goals that motivate potential donors to make gifts.
• Outstanding organization and time management skills to function efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated environment.
• Superior attention to detail and commitment to high standards of excellence and customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with all levels of constituents, internal and external, campus wide.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and strategic thinking.
• Effective consensus builder.
• Proficiency with Microsoft tools.
• Experience with relational databases or CRMs.
• Knowledge of database applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to: Multitask, follow through, and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to manage several large projects simultaneously.
• Ability to quickly learn and utilize people, resources, and information across the campus.
• Ability to work well with colleagues and students.
• Valid Driver’s license required.
• Frequent travel averaging about 50% of time spent out of the office. Travel may include air and overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Raiser’s Edge NXT experience preferred.
• Joy of philanthropy and donor-centered mindset.
• Higher education fundraising experience.
• Capital campaign experience.
• Gift planning, corporate, or foundation fundraising experience.
• Bilingual.
• CFRE, Philanthropy, or Blackbaud certifications.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major and planned gift donors and prospects in collaboration with the Director(s) of Philanthropy, deans, faculty, and Philanthropy and Engagement team.
• Builds, maintains, and strengthens positive relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations within and external to, the University community.
• Tenaciously and proactively pursues major and planned gift fundraising initiatives and ensures and executes appropriate recognition and stewardship.
• In collaboration with philanthropy operations, performs research regarding individuals’ giving capacity, interests, and giving history.
• Updates actions, visits, opportunities, communication, and moves management in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Collaborates with faculty and other campus partners to assist in the research and development of appropriate fundraising proposals.
• Serves as a liaison to assigned College(s) or program area(s) ensuring that colleagues are aware of key fundraising and engagement opportunities and priorities.
• Achieves performance goals outlined in the division strategic plan and by the Vice President for Philanthropy & Engagement.
• Regularly attends and participates in community and university-wide functions and alumni events.
• Regularly attends and participates in division meetings and retreats.
• Maintains a professional development and training schedule in appropriate areas including fundraising, operations (annual Raiser’s Edge training), and others as identified or needed.

Benefits

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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