Job Summary: 

Under the direction of the Vice President for Advancement (VP) the Director of Development will assist the VP in the implementation of a comprehensive strategy for increasing charitable gifts to Presentation College, with a major focus on securing major gifts and implementing a robust annual giving program. Must have a track record in closing major gifts above $25,000.

Essential Functions: 

• Provide leadership and direction for the College’s annual giving, major giving, planned giving, corporate & private foundation, sponsorship, grant programs and capital campaigns.
• Personally manage assigned pool of 125-150 active donor/prospects
  • Develop and implement a strategic prospect management plan to include obtaining information concerning donor/prospects financial capability, special interests, past history and current connections with the institution, close friends, advisors and financial contributions to other causes
  • Develop cultivation strategy and plan for each prospect in the portfolio of high net worth prospects and donors
  • Maintains frequent contact with assigned donors and prospective donors
• Solicit gifts annually for high priority College projects and scholarships
• Travel throughout the United States and abroad is required
• With the VP, determine to whom prospects are assigned for solicitation (such as the College President, Trustees, Cabinet members, Athletic Coaches, etc.)
• Manage executive solicitation for the Vice President of Advancement and President including the creation and submission of proposals to major gift prospects as appropriate
• Plan and facilitate vice presidential and presidential donor and prospect visits; and participate in solicitation strategy sessions in preparation for solicitations as appropriate
• Assist the VP in providing staff support to the Board of Trustees in relation to advancement
• Collaborate with Coordinator of Advancement Services to implement donor stewardship, recognition and the responsible maintenance of all donor-related financial accounts including College endowment accounts.
• Represent the Vice President, and College at community activities that advance the College with major gift level constituents
• Enter activities, proposals, contacts, strategic plans and correspondence for portfolio prospects into the Raisers Edge database; ensure biographic and contact data is accurate and current
• Help insure that excellent maintenance of pertinent information for assigned past and prospective donors to the College, including names and addresses, is being conducted
• Assist as needed in the planning and implementation of other campus projects and events, as necessary (such as: groundbreakings, new building dedications, celebrations of athletic championships, etc.).
• Attend meetings and represent the College
• Communicates both verbally and in writing with various College constituents including administrators, faculty, students, other support staff and individuals in the community
• Collaborate with campus partners (deans, cabinet members, and faculty) to facilitate appropriate connections to advance gift cultivation discussions with donors and prospects.
• Participates in various professional and community organizations as a representative of the College
• Support other areas of Advancement as needed

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 10 years fundraising experience, preferably in higher education
• Experience managing annual giving, major giving, planned giving and capital programs
• Ability and proven track record to secure major gifts ($10,000+)
• Record of progressive leadership and achievement in fundraising
• Proficient with Blackbaud’s Raisers Edge
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree and/or CFRE certification preferred
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Must be highly organized and familiar with short and long-term planning processes
• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates ability to relate and interact with a wide spectrum of groups and individuals
• Manage with diplomacy
• Must be able to implement College plans
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
• Effective listening and communication skills to build relationships with individuals as well as small and large groups