Director for Development

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and ecumenical liberal arts university. The University combines a strong core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study. At Mount Saint Vincent, a student's education extends beyond knowledge, skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person. In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other.

About the role

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for External Relations, the Director for Development is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects to ensure a strong base of ongoing financial support from major donors, and stewardship of major donors to maintain and build their relationships with the University. The Director of Development will also oversee Advancement Operations and coordinate select Advancement events including the annual Scholarship Benefit and the All Ways Forward speaker series.

Responsibilities

• Work in collaboration with the Associate Vice President and Senior Vice President to develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies necessary to move assigned major gift prospects through the gift cycle, as well as to identify new prospects.
• Maintain stewardship activities with donors to ensure ongoing engagement and support.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director for Alumni Relations and Giving, identify high-level annual donors with the potential and capacity to enhance their support towards major gift initiatives. Define and implement individual strategies to cultivate and solicit major gifts from those donors, and ensure stewardship activities as appropriate to maintain their engagement.
• Work with the Senior Vice President, the Associate Vice President for External Relations, as well as administration, faculty, and staff as needed to translate University priorities into development opportunities for donors and donor prospects.
• Coordinate the annual fundraising gala and All Ways Forward speaker series by managing and overseeing all logistical details of the events, and serving as the primary contact between the University and all appropriate event vendors.
• In tandem with the Senior Vice President and Associate Vice President for External Relations, support and assist gala honorees and Trustees with outreach and solicitation efforts.
• Coordinate stewardship events and activities for donors at defined giving levels including endowed scholarship donors, Centennial Society members, and higher-level annual donors.
• Oversee Advancement Operations to ensure accuracy and timeliness of gift processing and acknowledgements, and reports for Advancement and Finance.

Requirements

• Direct experience in soliciting, negotiating, and closing major gifts; developing and implementing donor-centered stewardship initiatives that increase gift levels and donor participation.
• Experience with gift processing and acknowledgement communications, fundraising event planning and management, and a record of successful collaboration with high-level staff, trustees, officers, administrators, and key volunteers.
• Collaboration with Advancement office colleagues regarding proposal strategy and development, major donor components of alumni and fundraising events, and event planning as required.
• Creative, results-oriented individual with strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; deadline and detail-oriented; possess strong planning and organizational abilities and enjoy the challenge of setting and meeting goals.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work well within a team and independently; capable of representing the University in a variety of settings with confidence and diplomacy.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed; evening and weekend responsibilities as required.
• Knowledge of best practices in fundraising, donor stewardship, and advancement strategy.
• Experience with CRM systems, preferably Banner or Raiser’s Edge, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to exercise strong judgment, act in a principled, professional manner in working with sensitive, confidential information.
• A deep understanding of and commitment to the Catholic Liberal Arts mission of the University.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Four to five years of direct fundraising experience, preferably in non-profit or higher education setting.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off beyond the time the University is closed for holidays, including vacation and sick leave.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% employer-sponsored Life Insurance & LTD benefits.
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Pay

Salary Range: $110,000–$120,000 per year.