Development Director* and Team Lead - School of Engineering

About the role

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $124,100+ for the Development Director role and ranges up to $136,500+ for the Senior Development Director role. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.

Responsibilities

• Directs programs for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective and current major gift donors to the School of Engineering and the University of Kansas.
• Solicits major gifts ($50,000+) in support of the stated needs of the School of Engineering.
• Crafts and deploys a strategic operational plan – develops and implements both annual and long-range goals, objectives, and strategies to maximize private support for the School of Engineering, consistent with the overall plan of KU Endowment.
• Coordinates preparation and development of major gift proposals to School of Engineering prospects for presentation by the University Chancellor, the Dean of the School, KU Endowment staff, and volunteer leaders.
• Supervises the shared development assistant who provides administrative support for this constituent area.
• Manages, monitors and mentors two other professional fundraisers supporting the School of Engineering that are focused on strategic identification of prospects and timely and consistent movement through management stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship).
• Collaborate with Development Team Leads to identify and implement best practices, align strategies, and support clear communication across the broader Development team.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Vice President for Development and other senior development staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of five years of successful professional experience in major gift fundraising is required.
• Prior management experience is also preferred, particularly experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting the professional growth of individual team members in a fundraising environment.
• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, are essential.
• Must possess the ability to independently initiate, organize and follow through with fundraising strategies.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgement.
• Adept at using social media, text, phone, and video conferencing.
• Strong work ethic with a desire to continue to learn.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and fearless approach to portfolio building and relationship development.
• Willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone and embrace challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and readiness to engage donors and alumni.
• Skilled at navigating and using databases, familiarity with CRM systems, and entering contact reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.