Director of Philanthropy

About the role

The Director of Philanthropy is a key member of the Development Team and responsible for establishing, building and deepening meaningful relationships with Marshall University Foundation prospects and donors. Directors of Philanthropy cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors with the capacity to make major gifts at the $25,000 level and greater.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors with the capacity to make major gifts at the $25,000 level and greater.
• Work closely with the CDO and Foundation and Development staff, university deans, faculty and key volunteers to pursue a coordinated and strategic program of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors.
• Identify, qualify, and advance major gift prospects through proactive prospecting, referrals, research, events, and relationship-building.
• Make direct solicitations and close gifts; maintain a high level of donor and prospect engagement, including regular in-person and virtual meetings.
• Manage a major gift donor portfolio of current, dormant, and prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 or greater.
• Build relationships through cultivation and stewardship to raise a minimum of $500,000 annually.
• Leverage prospect research, data, and analytics to prioritize outreach, refine strategy, and strengthen the donor pipeline.
• Document contacts and strategies using the moves management system.
• Adhere to the Foundation’s policies and procedures for accepting, recording and acknowledging gifts and pledges.
• Pursue professional growth activities in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer.
• Participate as a full member of the development team attending prospect management meetings, professional development activities and other staff meetings, as appropriate.
• Maintain and monitor expenses on a timely basis and within approved budgets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive and successful philanthropic development, relationship-based institutional sales, marketing, and/or related experience.
• Proven experience developing and managing relationships with high-level prospects.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – written, verbal, and presentation.
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Able to travel locally and nationally to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Able to work evenings and weekends to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Philanthropic development experience within a higher education, foundation, or non-profit institution.
• Proven success in securing major gifts and increasing donor support and engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor databases.