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

Emory • Atlanta, GA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Emory University’s Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement works to engage constituents, research and solicit donors, and steward relationships across Emory University and Health Systems. Its mission is to inspire and steward lasting relationships that elevate engagement and giving in support of Emory’s mission to serve humanity.

The Lead Director of Development will work with Emory University School of Law, a school focused on creativity and innovation in legal education. The position develops fundraising strategies and solicits gifts of $100,000 to $5 million or more from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The role manages a portfolio of prospects, builds relationships with donors and university partners, and aligns donor interests with school priorities. It also works with central advancement offices to qualify, cultivate, and steward prospects and may oversee fundraising materials, unit planning, operations, and budgets.

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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Seven years of experience in fundraising or a related field.
• Ability to meet individual metrics for donor meetings, qualification outcomes, solicitations, dollars raised, and stewardship.
• 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.
• High level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality, with sound judgment and discretion.

Nice To Haves

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

What This Job Offers

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