Director of Development

Job Type: Full‑time

Classification: Administration, Management, Professional | Department: Development | Reports to: President | Location: Trenton, Missouri – Main Campus

Position Summary

The Director of Development leads fundraising and donor engagement efforts that strengthen North Central Missouri College and create opportunities for its students. Reporting directly to the College President, the Director builds relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners and connects their interests with the mission, goals, and priorities of NCMC. Working in conjunction with the President, Foundation Board of Directors, and Board of Trustees, the Director plans, leads, and executes fundraising campaigns, donor relations, and strategic planning to support NCMC mission, programs, scholarships, and capital projects.

Core Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy: Plan and execute campaigns for annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships.
• Foundation Relations: Partner with the college's Foundation Board of Directors to align fundraising goals with institutional priorities.
• Donor Stewardship: Cultivate relationships with alumni, local businesses, and community members to secure financial support.
• Grant Writing & Management: Oversee the submission and administration of foundation and corporate grants.
• Special Events: Direct cultivation and fundraising events that promote the college within the community.
• Alumni Relations: Help establish, build, connect, and grow alumni relations for NCMC.

Essential Functions

• Advance College mission, vision, and goals.
• Serve as Director and lead strategic planning efforts of the NCMC Foundation Board that coordinate with the college’s needs and long‑term planning efforts.
• Oversee budgets, review financial reports, and ensure funds are allocated correctly and sustainably.
• Establish development policies and procedures.
• Build positive relationships and communication with NCMC employees, students, alumni, donors, and external partners.
• Lead and execute philanthropic strategies, connect with major donors and secure financial support from individuals, corporations, and grant‑making organizations.
• Prepare, implement, and execute an Annual Fund plan designed to generate unrestricted income to assist the programs and operations of NCMC.
• Develop strategies that achieve dollar and alumni participation goals.
• Assist in coordination and management of Foundation/Institutional Scholarships with the Financial Aid Department.
• Coordinate fundraising efforts across NCMC departments and support departmental needs, communication, and outreach.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations and evaluate development staff.
• Coordinate personal solicitation responsibilities for staff, volunteer organizations, and governing bodies.
• Research public and private grant agencies and foundations to identify potential external funding sources.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of maintaining records of contributors and grants.
• Identify potential contributors for special project funds and ongoing operations.
• Plan and coordinate special fund drives and campaigns.
• Cultivate opportunities and match prospect interests with philanthropic opportunities.
• Enlist support from institution staff, governing bodies, and volunteer organizations.
• Work with Marketing and Public Relations to develop print, video, and social media materials to enhance the institution’s image and promote fundraising.
• Plan and coordinate annual events such as the NCMC Pirates Ball, Annual Scholarship Reception, donor recognition events, and other fundraising initiatives.
• Manage donor recognition program and develop a planned giving program.
• Provide professional, high‑quality customer service as the public face and liaison between the foundation, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Participate in required training, travel when necessary, and complete other duties as assigned.
• Engage in community and civic organizations to raise awareness and promote involvement with NCMC and its foundation.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, education, business, public relations, or another applicable field.
• Experience: Advancement, development and/or fundraising experience required; previous experience in sales, marketing, and finance helpful.
• Skills: High emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills, ability to manage multiple tasks, handle concerns, solve problems, and persuasive ability.
• Physical Demands: Moving between buildings on the NCMC campus; reaching, pulling, and pushing when filing; performing repetitive tasks; remaining stationary at a desk while typing and answering phones.
• Environmental Demands: Working on tile and carpeted floors in a heated and air‑conditioned environment.