Bradley University is seeking an engaging and ambitious professional to serve as a Director of Development. In this role, you will serve as a member of the university’s Advancement Division and report directly to the Executive Director of Development. The position calls for a proven track record of personal solicitation experience, strong written and verbal skills, the ability to plan strategic moves with prospect management and a strong appreciation for the merits of Bradley’s history. Extensive travel is required. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Manage a donor and prospect portfolio of approximately 125+ individuals for the purpose of developing their philanthropic support of Bradley. 

• Conduct 120 or more meetings with key donors and prospects to solicit gifts, qualify prospects, and steward ongoing relationships. 

• Utilize strong strategic planning skills to develop, implement and track cultivation and solicitation plans for individual prospects. 

• Possess a detailed understanding of the University’s key fundraising priorities and have the ability to articulate these in both written and verbal terms. 

• Partner with university leaders, college deans, department administrators, staff, faculty, advisory board members, and students to identify, attract, engage, solicit, and steward existing and prospective donors who are passionate about Bradley and who have the capacity to support the University with a gift of $50,000 or greater. This includes, but is not limited to, leveraging individual meetings/conversations, small group gatherings, larger special events, games, and receptions as a means to build and develop relationships with key supporters. 

• Collaborate with key volunteers, campus leadership, faculty, and staff to promote the best interests of the University and the long range goals of our philanthropic program 

• Engage as a positive and proactive partner with other members of the Advancement Division and work collaboratively within the team of Development Directors. 

• Have a general understanding of commonly used planned gift vehicles. 

• Display in word and action the highest possible ethical standards. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Actively assist with other Advancement Division events/activities as needed. 

• Represent the Advancement Division on ad-hoc or standing university committees, as appropriate and with the approval of the Executive Director of Development. 

• Participate in professional development as needed and/or assigned by the Executive  Director of Development, the VP for Advancement, or the University. 

• Perform other assignments as directed by the Executive Director of Development or the VP for Advancement. 

Required Qualifications

• You have a track record of success developing relationships with alumni/donors, customers, and/or constituents with diverse interests, experiences, and values in a fundraising, sales, or account-management environment. 

• You take responsibility for your goals and find creative, innovative, and strategic solutions to problems/barriers. 

• You are able to travel to assigned geographic regions on a monthly basis to accomplish visit goals. 

• You are tactful, you have high standards, you maintain confidentiality, you have good judgment, and you are a responsible decision-maker. 

• You are level-headed and adaptable in response to changing conditions, priorities, and expectations. 

• You have exceptional communication skills and are responsive and professional when interacting with both internal and external partners using a variety of communication tools. You value accurate donor/customer/constituent data/reporting and hold yourself accountable to timely/effective tracking of your activity/interactions according to written policies/standards. 

• You are comfortable with technology and easily navigate standard word processing, spreadsheet, email, virtual meeting, and database software/applications. 

• You are willing and able to work evenings and/or weekends to accommodate alumni/donor/volunteer/event schedules and/or to meet deadlines as needed. 

• You have a valid US driver’s license and are willing and able to travel locally and regionally to accomplish your goals. 

• You have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• You have firsthand experience securing 5-, 6-, and 7-figure gifts to support the advancement of a college, university, or other non-profit organization. 

• You have experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT (our CRM for alumni/donors). 

• You have an in-depth knowledge of a working environment within higher education. You have an advanced degree from a college or university. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

The Director of Development is not responsible for direct supervision of staff.