Position Summary:

The division of Institutional Advancement at Lenoir-Rhyne University has significantly grown the fundraising activity over the past five years and are investing in themselves to build on this significant momentum. Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Advancement Office is dedicated to building strong, lasting relationships with the institution’s various constituencies, as well as to broadening the university’ base of support and securing the financial resources.

The newly added Director of Development is an active member of the major gifts team within Institutional Advancement and will play a critical role in helping the university meet its fundraising goals, while advancing the university’s strategic direction as outlined by the Board of Trustees and President. This key position offers a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious and transformational campaign. The Director of Development is responsible for the qualification, cultivation solicitation, and stewardship of Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni, families, and friends capable of making leadership gifts of $50,000 or more. The Director of Development carries their own, highly rated major and principal gift portfolio of approximately 150 individuals and will work with the Assistant Vice President for Development to ensure maximum success of the university’s fundraising priorities and upcoming comprehensive campaign. A highly visible representative of the university, the Director of Development must have a deep appreciation for the liberal arts experience and a strong personal commitment to Lenoir-Rhyne’s values, with a comprehensive understanding of best practices for major and principal gift engagement. The Director of Development will regularly travel to build relationships with donors, prospects, and volunteers.

Essential Accountabilities:

• Build and expand Lenoir-Rhyne University’s major and principal prospect pool by conducting a minimum of 120 face-to-face meetings during the fiscal year; identify strategies and opportunities to align Lenoir-Rhyne alumni, families and friends with university priorities.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a prospect pool of approximately 150 highly rated individuals, with a focus on securing five, six, and seven-figure gifs.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s strategic priorities and goals.
• Participate in on and off campus events and programs in support of development activities to move solicitations forward.
• Form collaborative team partnerships with other development staff members and cross-campus peers to maximize fundraising productivity.
• Maintain precise records of donor contact through Lenoir-Rhyne’s donor database system and prepare timely call reports.
• Participate in professional development training by the university, the Office of Institutional Advancement, and professional associations to enhance expertise and skills.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications 

• Organizational and time management skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Outstanding personal character as well as excellent listening, oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Talent to manage multiple projects and priorities while working within deadlines to achieve ambitious goals.
• Four (4) or more years of fundraising or related experience; demonstrated success in making direct solicitations, preferred.
• Professional conduct and appropriate handling of confidential information is required.
• Extensive teamwork skills and experience collaborating in a diverse community to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes.
• Be proficient in navigating and using Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, RE/NXT.
• Willingness to travel and to work hours outside the normal working day (i.e. nights and weekends)
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Appreciation of Lenoir-Rhyne’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it.

Education and Experience Requirement  

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Experience in direct and varied areas of development or alumni relations, preferably in a higher education non-profit setting.
• Experience cultivating, soliciting, securing, and documenting major and planned and estate gifts.  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point, Microsoft 365, and Excel).

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to travel to on and off campus events.
• Fully vaccinated and boosted.

Work Schedule:

• Standard office hours Monday—Friday 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand.

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain high integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect, and kindness.
• Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards, values, and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Position requirements in the role description outlined above indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list for the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove, or waive the responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position.