Job Summary:

The Development Director plays a vital role in advancing Roseman University’s philanthropic priorities by cultivating donor relationships, securing contributions, and supporting major gift fundraising strategies. This position engages individuals, corporations, and foundations to strengthen financial support for scholarships and other university initiatives, with a strong emphasis on donor stewardship and impact. The role contributes significantly to capital campaign activities, fundraising events, donor recognition programs, and annual stewardship initiatives. The Development Director is expected to generate a minimum of $1,000,000 annually. Working closely with the Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Relations, the position requires exceptional relationship-building ability, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing a mission-driven philanthropy program.

Essential Functions:

Donor Contributions & Stewardship

• Cultivate and steward donor contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support university initiatives, with an emphasis on scholarships and capital campaign efforts.

• Assist in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gift prospects, working closely with the Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events and Coordinator of Donor Relations & Research to align efforts with university fundraising priorities.

• Develop and execute personalized donor stewardship plans, ensuring timely engagement and recognition.

• Collaborate with the Senior Director, Philanthropy & Alumni Relations to enhance donor engagement and outreach.

• Maintain and manage donor relationships, communications, and engagement activities within Raiser’s Edge, ensuring data integrity and accurate record-keeping.

• Assist in the development of fundraising appeals, donor communications, and targeted outreach strategies to increase participation in giving programs.

• Work closely with university leadership to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.

• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop donor outreach materials, including storytelling and impact reporting.

• Ensure compliance with all university reporting, stewardship, and accountability standards.

Fundraising Initiatives

• Identify and engage donors aligning with university priorities.

• Ensure donors receive impact reports, personalized updates, and recognition for their contributions.

• Support efforts to grow scholarship participation through targeted donor outreach and engagement opportunities.

• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to donor engagement and fundraising in Raiser’s Edge.

Event Support & Donor Recognition

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising and donor recognition events, ensuring a meaningful experience for donors.

• Assist with securing sponsorships and corporate and foundation support for university fundraising events.

• Work closely with the Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events and event planning teams to coordinate donor participation and recognition at university-hosted events.

• Help develop event-related fundraising opportunities, such as scholarship sponsorships and donor giving challenges.

• Ensure donors are properly recognized at events and that follow-up engagement strategies are implemented.

• Represent the university at fundraising and alumni engagement events, strengthening donor relationships and increasing visibility.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Two to three years of experience in development, donor relations, or higher education fundraising.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor events and fundraising activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Individual must possess the knowledge and following skills and abilities or be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities:

• Proven expertise in donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising for donor contributions and major gifts.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation, writing, and team building.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced philanthropy environment.

• Understanding of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship strategies, and nonprofit data management.

• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge or similar donor CRM systems for donor tracking and engagement.

• Ability to manage multiple fundraising initiatives while meeting financial targets and deadlines.

• High level of energy, ambition, and orientation toward discussing contributions with donors.

• Possess excellent listening, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

• Possess an understanding of basic finance concepts and money management.

• Demonstrated interest in and ability to represent an organization in one-on-one visits with key constituents (donors; prospects).

• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.

• Willingness to adhere to Roseman University’s core mission and values.

• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and diversity within the community.

• Knowledge of the Nevada and Utah community preferred.

• Ability to deal with confidential matters with tact and sensitivity.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, juggle tasks as needed, meet short deadlines, and complete projects within specified time limits amidst a fast-paced work environment.