Associate Director for Development, Social Sciences

What You Will Do

• Lead major gift fundraising efforts by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, negotiating and stewarding gifts of $100,000 or more, primarily from individuals, with some engagement of corporate and foundation partners.
• Manage a portfolio of 100 to 125 major gift prospects, developing and implementing individualized strategies and conducting ongoing qualification.
• Drive donor engagement and pipeline growth by making 75 to 125 substantive contacts annually, qualifying new prospects, including cold outreach and advancing relationships toward solicitation.
• Secure major gifts by soliciting five to ten gifts annually and raising approximately $375,000 to $4.5 million each year.
• Develop donor materials such as proposals, agreements and gift illustrations.
• Maintain accurate records in the prospect management system and report regularly to the Director of Development for Social Sciences.
• Work with the Director of Development for Social Sciences to develop gift strategies.
• Collaborate with staff in Principal Giving, Regional Giving, Planned Giving and Corporate and Foundation Relations in preparing solicitation strategies for assigned prospects in portfolio.
• Coordinate participation in major gift fundraising activities and engagement efforts for administrators, academic leaders, volunteers and advancement staff.
• Pursue professional development and provide training in major gift fundraising for staff, faculty and volunteers.

Strategy and Program Development

• Participate in annual planning and assist leadership in establishing annual goals, strategies, objectives and developing policies and procedures.
• Provide strategic leadership in designing and implementing advancement programs needed to sustain and grow university support.
• Evaluate programs, assess progress toward goals and report on results.
• Support marketing and communications efforts by editing and proofreading information, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree AND five years of experience in institutional development/advancement, with an emphasis on cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Proven capacity to build, steward and sustain strong donor and stakeholder relationships aligned with institutional priorities.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively to develop and execute fundraising strategies aligned with organizational mission and goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively, demonstrate empathy and resolve conflicts through open dialogue.
• Strong organizational skills including managing multiple priorities, exercising sound judgment and performing effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Effectively collaborates as part of a team and building positive, productive relationships.
• Experience taking initiative, thinking creatively and identifying opportunities to achieve results.
• Demonstrated integrity and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding organizational values.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reports, data management and communications materials.
• Knowledge of alumni relations, development, or advancement principles.