Executive Director, Development

Shawnee State University • OH 45662, OH

72d

About The Position

The Executive Director, Development is a key leadership role and member of the President's Cabinet, responsible for leading a comprehensive university fundraising program. This individual will work closely with the university's leadership and SSU foundation, faculty, community, and alumni to foster a culture of philanthropy and secure significant gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other key stakeholders. The role involves strategic planning, major gift solicitation, and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, alumni, and other supporters of the university. The Executive Director, Development will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the university's mission and enhancing its philanthropic engagement. This position will work closely with the university deans, advisory boards, the Shawnee State University Foundation, and the SSU Alumni Association, including each organization's executive staff and volunteer boards.

Requirements

• Proven success in developing and leading strategic fundraising initiatives, particularly in the areas of major gifts, capital campaigns, and annual giving.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor relations, and campaign management.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of development software, donor management systems, and fundraising analytics tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in higher education fundraising or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to secure major gifts.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree preferred.
• More than 10 years' experience preferred.
• CFRE preferred.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Experience with planned giving and working with high-net-worth individuals.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute plans to cultivate and meet goals for special projects, college capital and annual funds, athletics, and scholarships, ensuring alignment of fundraising initiatives with the university's mission, vision, and long-term goals.
• Develop and implement the university's fundraising strategies and goals, at the direction of and in collaboration with the President and the President's Cabinet.
• Build relationships with academic departments, faculty, and university leadership to identify funding priorities.
• Work closely with the Office of Communications to ensure the development team's messaging aligns with the university's overall marketing and branding efforts.
• Lead efforts to secure major gifts for capital campaigns, endowments, and other priority initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects capable of making significant contributions to the university.
• Coordinate and lead the cultivation and solicitation of gifts in collaboration with university leadership, deans, faculty, and trustees.
• Oversee university-wide fundraising campaigns, including goal-setting, planning, implementation, and reporting.
• Cultivate strong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the university.
• Oversee donor stewardship programs to ensure long-term engagement and continued giving.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Provide leadership and direction for the development team, setting performance metrics and monitoring progress.
• Ensure that fundraising data is accurately tracked, analyzed, and reported to university leadership, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Board, President, and other key stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree