Senior Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

About the Role

Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Senior Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships is responsible for fundraising and development oversight in the Office of Institutional Advancement (IA), University Schools, and Departments. This role provides leadership, planning, direction, and management for IA and the University Schools and Departments, including development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic direction and overall management of daily operations.

The Senior Director will work closely with IA staff and other University leadership to ensure collaboration, support, and alignment of strategic plans and University goals, representing IA in meetings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving prospects; facilitate active relationships with new and assigned donors and prospects by communicating University funding needs in a compelling manner.
• Manage the annual endowment fundraising campaign.
• Initiate and oversee the development of a robust stewardship program for IA and the University’s annual and major gift donors in partnership with the development staff.
• Provide leadership and supervision for Institutional Advancement team members and development staff from University Schools and departments.
• Identify, cultivate, and qualify prospects; solicit and close annual and other gifts to meet or exceed individual and team fundraising goals set annually.
• Develop Call Reports, written strategies, including target amounts and dates for all actively managed donors and prospects.
• Work closely with Advancement Services to evaluate and prioritize donor prospects and maintain a balanced portfolio.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Team to prepare weekly and standing reports.
• Supervise development staff and collaborate to develop and implement an overall strategic plan for solicitation of annual and major gifts to meet the University’s goals.
• Develop an overall strategic plan with the Office of Alumni Relations for a multi-faceted, best-practice alumni engagement program.
• Create and implement methods for improving individual and team productivity, performance, and collaboration.
• Develop and monitor performance metrics and measurements for each individual/team to create proactive and revenue-productive solutions.
• Engage in frequent contact with staff, providing clear direction, feedback, coaching, and staff development.
• Ensure the Institutional Advancement team provides excellent customer service to donors, staff, faculty, and others, effectively determining, allocating, and coordinating internal resources.
• Conduct performance assessments annually; manage and maintain operating budgets for assigned areas.
• Foster collaboration between advancement staff and other institutional departments to achieve strategic, coordinated communication with all stakeholders in the relationship-building process.
• Receive, assess, and make recommendations for requests from Institutional Advancement and other University departments to hold fundraising special events.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Director of Development
• Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
• Director of Alumni Relations
• Other Development Officers and volunteers as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, Social Work, Accounting, or a related field is required; master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience in higher education, with an established record in fundraising or marketing, supplemented by skill in planning, program evaluation, statistical analysis, and budget management; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills; proficiency in proposal and report writing.
• Legally operate an automobile in the State of North Carolina; valid driver’s license.
• Familiarity with the characteristics of a private, religious-affiliated liberal arts university.

Skills

• Philosophy consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the organization.
• Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence.
• Strong customer service and empathy skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in conducting major fundraising activities, including capital/comprehensive campaigns, special event fundraisers, and annual giving drives; experience with campaigns raising between $1 Million - $5 Million+.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Proficiency in navigating computers, virtual platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Demands

Typical office environment; infrequent lifting and carrying of items up to 10 lbs.; infrequent twisting or bending at the waist or reaching overhead; infrequent travel between buildings on campus, to other campuses, or off-campus for meetings and conferences; frequent listening and talking with students, faculty, staff, and alumni either in person or by telephone; frequent sitting at a desk or workstation using a computer display, keyboard, and mouse.