The University seeks a full-time, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, for its University Relations department on the Mount Vernon main campus. The position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development and is available immediately, upon appointment of a successful candidate. A full complement of benefits is provided including a health care plan, retirement contributions and tuition assistance, each subject to associated waiting periods. The candidate will also receive generous holidays, and vacation and sick days earned on an accrual basis.

Daily responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an annual plan for donor-specific engagement strategies designed to initiate new major and planned gifts
• Discover, engage, and invite philanthropic gifts through ongoing personal contact and visits with donors, prospective donors and attorneys/advisors
• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift and planned giving prospects
• Meet minimum fundraising goals annually and minimum number of contacts monthly
• Conduct a minimum of 15-20 meaningful interactions that advance a prospect through the gift cycle (primarily characterized by personal visits)
• Participates in the use of effective moves management processes for prospect identification, research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Produce timely contact reports that outline future engagement strategies after each donor, prospective donor, or partner interaction
• Ensures that all major and planned giving donors receive appropriate, consistent recognition and an accounting of the impact that their gift has on community needs annually
• Builds relationships and sows the seeds for annual donors to perpetuate their giving through planned gifts
• Partner with senior leaders and key constituents (i.e. Deans, faculty, staff, students, colleagues in Development, volunteers) in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major and planned gift prospects
• Previous experience in building relationships with donors, making the ask, and closing gifts at the President’s Circle Level ($1000+) and Major Gifts ($10,000+)
• Proven experience in developing strategy to engage donors and prospects
• Demonstrated successful solicitation of mid-level, major and/or planned gifts and knowledge of major and planned giving strategies and vehicles
• Secure a minimum of 20 Major or Planned giving commitments per year
• Local, regional or national travel is required up to 60% of the time. Some evenings and/or weekends may be needed
• Attend events, presentations, meetings and other appropriate gatherings
• Develop and conduct training for development staff and other campus departments on major and planned giving strategies and trends when appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

Expectations for the successful candidate:

• Evangelical Christian statement of faith, experience and mission fit
• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years successful work experience in higher education, non-profit leadership, and/or development/fundraising. Experience with mid-level or major donors and/or gift planning preferred
• Ability to connect and communicate with a wide variety of donors, alumni, and friends of the university
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral). Ability to listen is essential
• Self-starter and driven to the achievement of results; able to work with limited supervision
• Proven fund-raising, leadership and consensus building skills
• Well-developed organizational, planning, prioritizing, administrative and presentation skills
• Able to think creatively and strategically to successfully collaborate and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. Able to overcome obstacles to cooperation and to foster harmonious relations
• Able to balance competing priorities, complex situations and tight deadlines
• Have a spirit of hospitality and inclusivity
• Working understanding of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Previous experience in effectively contacting, answering queries of, and building relationships with donors, attorneys and financial planners
• Must demonstrate professionalism, tact, confidentiality and initiative. Must be upbeat and a team player.
• Must be capable of sitting, walking or standing for long periods of time, frequent use of stairs, ability to lift 25 pounds