Director of Development, Foundation Relations

Position Summary

The University of Arizona Foundation is seeking a motivated and goal-oriented professional to join the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team as Director of Development (DOD) for the Foundation Relations team. The successful candidate will work to secure gifts at the principal ($1,000,000) and major-gift level ($50,000+) from private philanthropic foundations for the University of Arizona.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead key fundraising priority initiatives for the university and Office of Research and Partnerships.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with the College/unit leadership, faculty, board members, alumni, volunteers, donors, and financial professionals.
• Build and maintain a healthy portfolio defined for DODs as 50-70 assigned prospects with 40-50 in cultivation/solicitation; 40% of those in cultivation/solicitation capacity rated at $250K+ and 10% rated at $1M+
• Execute strategic, personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for an assigned portfolio ($50,000 capacity or greater) of donor prospects (individual, corporate, and foundation) through personal meetings (in-person or via live video conferencing platforms), letters, phone calls, email, text messaging and other methods.
• Initiate and complete Qualification Plans per PAE standards to develop new major gift prospects.
• Plan, coordinate, and schedule weekly personal meetings with prospects and donors utilizing UAF software, introductory letters, emails/texts, and phone calls to set appointments.
• Support and provide a high level of support in stewardship and recognition efforts for annual fund donors.
• Develop personalized strategies for all assigned donors and prospects which builds, maintains, and enhances relationships while furthering donors’ philanthropic objectives.
• Design and manage solicitation and stewardship plans in UAF CRM platform to support fundraising initiatives.
• Maintain current and accurate records of donor prospects recorded in UAF CRM platform.
• Enter contact reports of all meetings, significant conversations, letters and correspondence, gift solicitations, and other communications with donors in a timely manner, but no less frequently than on a weekly basis.
• Ensure all contributions are properly documented and handled in accordance with the University of Arizona Gift Policy.
• Partner with College and PAE alumni engagement colleagues to help build donor pipeline for the College.
• Partner with, and effectively utilize, the development professionals and resources of the PAE, including campus-based development teams, the offices of Regional Development; Gift Planning; Leadership and Annual Giving (telephone, direct-mail, and e-solicitation services); Alumni Engagement; Marketing and Communications; Prospect Development; Financial Services; Information Services; and Foundation Relations and other PAE Central services.
• Leverage outreach activities (e.g. tours, lectures, exhibits, etc.) to develop new major gift prospects.
• Utilize the common systems, policies, and procedures adhered to by PAE team members.
• Support and promote a culture of philanthropy across the University and work effectively as part of the greater PAE.
• Represent the College, University, and PAE at public events, including delivering remarks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Understand and follow all Federal, UA, and UAF policies and procedures, including UA scholarship and financial aid policies, as well as the University of Arizona Gift Policy.
• Commitment to working in a collaborative team environment with shared goals.
• Work efficiently with a wide variety of individuals, including donors, PAE colleagues, deans, faculty and staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Recognize and handle highly confidential and sensitive information in a discrete and professional manner.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet strict deadlines for deliverables.
• Problem-solving and using judgment in situations requiring initiative, tact, and confidentiality.
• Openness to new ideas and personal flexibility with the ability to adapt and succeed in a multi-task, fast-paced environment with changing processes and occasional ambiguity.
• Inspire cooperation and participation.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Proficiency or ability to learn additional software required to perform the essential duties of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 8 years of related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to drive/attend meetings throughout Arizona and travel by commercial airline as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundraising experience in a higher education setting.
• Ability to work across multiple teams and diverse priorities.