Assistant Director of Development

About the role

Dakota State University seeks a passionate relationship builder to serve as its next Assistant Director of Development. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parents, and friends of the university capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more, helping to create philanthropic partnerships that fuel the university’s vision and strengthen its future.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Marketing, Education, Accounting, Finance, or other related field
• 1–3 years of experience in fundraising, particularly in major gifts or leadership giving
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred
• Strong ability to build relationships, listen to donor needs, and cultivate donor loyalty
• Ability to analyze donor data and fundraising trends to develop strategies
• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting to groups of various sizes
• Strong combination of creative, analytical, and organizational skills; attention to detail
• Proficiency with database management systems
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of philanthropic partners
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential donors through research, interviews, and other engagement methods
• Develop and implement personalized strategies to cultivate relationships with prospects
• Solicit gifts that align with the strategic needs of the University
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing donors through consistent communication and recognition efforts
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions, proposals, and contributions in Raiser’s Edge
• Work closely with University leadership to understand funding priorities and translate these needs into compelling donor opportunities
• Partner with colleagues across the University to identify potential prospects and create comprehensive donor engagement plans
• Plan and attend events to engage with potential and existing donors, representing the University’s mission and goals

Benefits

• Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account
• South Dakota Retirement System: employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service
• Paid time off – full-time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year, plus 11 federal paid holidays
• Reduced tuition for education
• Professional liability coverage
• Paid family leave