Senior Director of Development, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism

About the role

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication (Cronkite School) seeks a Senior Director of Development to partner with school's leaders to implement innovative programs to identify prospective major and/or principal gift donors and execute plans to qualify, cultivate and solicit donors in support of the Cronkite School.

Responsibilities

• Creates and leads a coordinated program of fundraising and engagement activities designed to increase the number and level of annual, major and/or principal gift donors;
• Manages a personal major gift donor/prospect portfolio with a primary focus on securing gifts at or above $100,000 level and a personal fundraising goal of at least $3M in accordance with performance metrics;
• Led a comprehensive unit or central development department/program; develops and executes strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, and volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, foundation, and corporate prospects on behalf of assigned area(s) of responsibility;
• Guides the direction of written proposals, white papers, strategic plans, budgets, and other collateral materials as needed for securing significant ($100k+) philanthropic investments;
• High level of collaboration with both internal departments and broader University partners to identify common goals and develop, execute, and advance prospect and donor strategies and increase participation among high profile volunteers and donors (i.e., alumni engagement, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, development, donor relations, estate and gift planning, financial services, research, and prospect management, etc.).
• Ensures the proper stewardship and recognition of donors in portfolio;
• Manages projects with moderate oversight; depending on area(s) of responsibility, may serve as a project manager for some complex, multilayered, university-wide proposals aimed at raising the higher gifts for a university campaign;
• Recruits, motivates, develops and retains a high-performance; provides leadership, determines and evaluates individual goals, develops and implements training and mentoring, monitors coverage of primary areas of focus ensuring that goals and objectives are attained;
• Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking and maintenance of contact and progress reporting;
• Manages budget, related to area(s) of assignment, ensuring a maximum return on university investments while controlling expenses;
• Maintains up to date knowledge on key alumni and high-level donors, and/or oversees continuous research, development and up-to-date knowledge on prospects and works with other areas to coordinate contacts;
• Sustains and elevates working relationships with deans, chairs, directors, and faculty members within area(s) of responsibility.

Requirements

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles;
• Complex problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives;
• Strong knowledge and understanding of database management;
• Ability to successfully lead, coach and guide a team to achieve desired result;
• Ability to inquire about and understand organizational interests and needs, and determine how to persuade or market to that organization with compelling benefits;
• Exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others;
• Foster effective working relationships within a team environment;
• Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in donor/prospect computer database systems;
• Relevant Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, five (5) to seven (7) years of years of successful professional development and/or fundraising experience in higher education or college athletics for applicable roles, experience working in Salesforce and Workday.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Advanced degree;
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of years of successful professional development and/or fundraising experience in higher education or college athletics for applicable roles;
• Experience working in Salesforce and Workday;

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution;
• 22 days of vacation time;
• 11 holidays, including your birthday;
• Parental leave;
• Significant tuition reductions;
• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement;

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.