Senior Director of Development

Wichita State University Foundation • Wichita, KS

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

WSUFAE is looking for a Senior Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) to lead transformational fundraising efforts that advance the mission of Wichita State University. This dynamic leadership role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift donors while managing a high-performing development team serving the College of LAS and Honors College. The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship builder with a proven track record of securing major gifts, inspiring teams, and engaging high-net-worth philanthropists. If you are passionate about higher education, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are committed to making a lasting impact through philanthropy, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of Wichita State University.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With a growing number of assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required
• Fundraising experience closing Major Gifts ($25,000 or more)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with high-net-worth individuals and institutional leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet challenging and changing deadlines and to develop and execute sophisticated strategies for securing transformational gifts.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
• Must be willing to travel with occasional weekend and evening work
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurance
• Project professional image at all times
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree from accredited institution
• CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) is preferred
• Fundraising experience closing gifts of $250,000 or more
• Database knowledge
• Knowledge of Wichita State University and a commitment to higher education

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Data Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential major gift and principal gift donors.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors through research, networking, and outreach.
• Collaborate with the AVP of Development and other senior leadership to create and execute strategies for donor identification.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors to achieve giving goals.
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a select group of high-net worth donors.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create high-quality communication with major and principal donors through customized proposals, presentation, and engagement activities.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with prospects through personalized outreach, meetings, and events.
• Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor based on their interests and capacity to give.
• Lead or assist in the coordination of gift solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.
• Actively work towards meeting established annual metrics, collaborating with team members to ensure cohesive efforts.
• Develop and execute strategies to secure financial support in alignment with both personal, team, and WSUFAE’s fundraising goals.
• Lead the solicitation of major, principal gifts, and planned gifts with donors in your portfolio and close contributions that support WSU’s priorities.
• Provide vision and leadership to the College of LAS and Honors College development team, ensuring alignment with WSUFAE and WSU priorities.
• Recruit, train, and mentor high-performing team members through the establishment and monitoring of goals, ensuring accountability and consistent progress towards fundraising targets.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation within your team and across WSUFAE.
• Develop and manage an annual budget for fund-raising activities and professional development.
• Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with WSUFAE’s goals.
• Maintain accurate computer and paper files as necessary.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon.
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at [phone] or email [email protected] in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.

What This Job Offers

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