Lead Director of Development - University Advancement - Emory School of Law

Emory University • Atlanta, GA

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Emory University’s Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement uses resources, technology, and business practices to support constituent engagement, donor research and solicitation, and stewardship across Emory University and Health Systems. Its mission is to inspire and steward meaningful, lasting relationships that elevate engagement and giving in support of Emory’s mission to serve humanity.

The Lead Director of Development will support Emory University School of Law by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospective donors. The role manages a portfolio of prospects and pursues gifts generally ranging from $100,000 to $5 million or more in support of school and unit priorities. The position works with donors, alumni, volunteers, faculty, administrators, deans, University leadership, and central advancement offices to align donor interests with institutional priorities and advance fundraising efforts.

The position reports to the Managing Senior Director of Development for Emory School of Law. It requires in-person work two days a week and offers regular work-from-home opportunities. The employee must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based on business needs and must reside in Georgia. Emory reserves the right to change the remote-work status with notice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least seven years of experience in fundraising or a related field.
• Ability to work from home regularly while commuting to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based on business needs; the role requires in-person work two days a week.
• Residency in the state of Georgia.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work with ambiguity, navigate a complex work environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve goals, with a commitment to exceptional customer service.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and effective presentation skills.
• Flexibility to accommodate changing priorities and deadlines.
• Professionalism and commitment to confidentiality, sound judgment, and discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a lead solicitor, including closing gifts of $100,000–$5 million from prospects.
• Prior experience with comprehensive campaigns, alumni engagement, or in a university setting.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, mass email applications, database and project management software, and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit individuals, corporations, and foundations for gifts of $100,000–$5 million to support education, patient care, and research programs for a department, school, or unit.
• Solicit gifts of $100,000–$5 million or more in support of the school or unit.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects through an active schedule of solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship calls to donors and new prospects in support of strategic priorities.
• Build relationships with prospective donors, alumni, and volunteers to support programs and priorities.
• Build relationships with faculty, administrators, deans, and division or University leadership to develop, interpret, and align school or unit priorities with donor goals and interests.
• Partner with central advancement offices to ensure potential gift prospects are properly qualified, cultivated, and stewarded.
• May develop school or unit strategic planning and goal setting.
• May develop and oversee the writing and production of fundraising materials, including case statements, brochures, solicitation letters, gift proposals, appreciation letters, donor reports, and campaign status reports.
• Maintain information on selected donors and prospects, including contact reports in the CRM system.
• Communicate in donor-centric ways while furthering Emory’s mission.
• Travel to meet with donors as needed.
• May manage department or program operations and budgets.
• Meet individual metrics for donor meetings, qualification outcomes, solicitations, dollars raised, and stewardship.
• Represent the department, school or unit, division, or University.
• Perform related responsibilities as required.

What This Job Offers

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