Director of Development, Student Affairs

About the Role

Responsible for major gift fundraising and support programs through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects for assigned colleges, centers, programs, institutes or special initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Maintains continuous contact with key volunteers, prospects, donors and lapsed donors throughout the strategic assignments; communicates regularly in person, email, Skype, Zoom or via phone and mail
• Responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects for the assigned Colleges, Centers, Programs, Institutes and/or special initiatives
• Focuses on individual, corporate and foundation prospects primarily at the $100,000 level and above, focusing on prospect gifts of $1 million or more
• Coordinates solicitation and communicates frequently with colleagues in the department and across the University community
• Researches industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices
• Implements changes to maintain competitiveness among peers and to meet agreed upon goals and objectives as determined by strategic plan and goals
• Designs solicitation strategies on case-by-case basis, maintaining awareness of development and college office needs and procedures
• Assist Deans, Administration, Foundation, AVP and other Division leadership in the planning and implementation of all fundraising and alumni activities
• Assist/collaborate with the KSU Alumni Association to offer engagement opportunities with Nest activities and other alumni engagement strategies

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field
• Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license
• Three (3) years of related work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in developing solicitation strategies
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards
• An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
• Experience in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $50,000 and above from individual, foundation and corporate prospects; including campaign experience
• Prior experience in a college or university setting preferred, enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive university, and the desire to work collegially within a goal-oriented fundraising organization

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Able to manage a significant volume of diverse tasks, activities and projects, including both tactical and strategic projects
• Able to maintain the highest standards of ethics, integrity, respect and humility
• Able to work strategically, develops and implements constituency programs and activities
• Able to encourage and motivate assigned volunteers
• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
• Knowledgeable of a donor database, contact management and tracking systems
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
• Strong initiative, and a quick learner with ability to think strategically and analytically and the organizational skills to move from vision to action
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Additional Information

• This is not a supervisory position
• This position has financial responsibilities
• This position will be required to drive
• This role is considered a position of trust
• This position may travel 25% - 49% of the time