Regional Advancement Director

University of Rochester

12d

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. Charged with dramatically increasing both the quality and size of the University of Rochester's prospect pool, the Office of Regional Advancement will play a key role in the overall growth of private philanthropy at the University. They will both originate prospect/donor activity and coordinate all Advancement work in their assigned regions. Regional Directors will need to work collegially with the School/Unit Gift Officers. They will carry a portfolio of approximately 125-150 qualified prospects. Regional Directors will need to think creatively on how to leverage various forms of communication, as well as maximize multiple forms of technology to reach prospective donors. Annual performance metrics will be set in collaboration with the Executive Director of Regional Advancement. The Regional Directors are expected to be full and active members of the Regional Advancement team and of the broader University Advancement team, participating in strategy and planning, and contributing their ideas and counsel particularly as they relate to their assigned regions. The position reports to the Assistant Vice President or Executive Director of Regional Advancement and will have a designated staff person supporting him or her. Extensive travel on behalf of the university is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of fundraising experience required
Or equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong interpersonal skills and evidence of interest in, and ability to, work effectively with volunteers and solicit annual gifts.
Strong capacity for collaboration.
Aptitude and evidence of ability to work well with faculty.
Ability to manage complex projects and to effectively manage detail.
Strong written and oral communication skills
Positive attitude, optimism, independence and creativity are essential.
Familiarity with office productivity computer programs and an interest and aptitude in learning more about management information systems.

Responsibilities

Fundraising Maintain a portfolio of 125-150 Larger Major Gift Prospects
Maintain major gift pipeline to ensure aggressive team assigned metrics are exceeded
Close large major gifts exceeding $100,000
Fundraising strategy Create strategies for and solicit donors capable of contributing large major gifts to the University, including gifts supporting the capital campaign.
Responsible for planning, managing, executing, and stewardship strategy for each prospect.
Prospect Management Travel within designated regions to initiate and/or strengthen relationships with major gift prospects.
Travel will include working with key volunteers, faculty, university leadership, parents and alumni.
Collaboration with Advancement colleagues to research and identify new major gift prospects annually.
Managing relationships with prospects that include University Deans, Department Chairs, and Faculty.
Programmatic Work Respond to inquiries and requests from donors and volunteers involving status and disposition of gifts.
Collaborate closely with University stewardship and donor relations offices in assuring appropriate follow up to gifts, executing follow up actions as appropriate: letters and phone communication, problems solving, information gathering from other departments involved with gifts, etc.
Become an expert within major gift fundraising. Specifically in estate giving, and alternative gifting vehicles.
Strategic Planning Works closely with internal and external partners to secure the resources necessary to achieve a vision outlined by university leadership.
Collaborates with Senior Leaders, Deans, Department Chairs, Volunteers, and key faculty to effectively manage and create prospect strategies to promote development efforts that focus on school priorities.
Other duties as assigned.