Sr Development Programs Specialist

About the role

The University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better, with values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. The Sr. Development Program Specialist will develop, plan, and implement fundraising strategies and programs for individuals, small businesses, and corporate donors, helping to grow and sustain programmatic and institutional support.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Lead Major Gifts Specialist, the key responsibilities include:

• Building new and sustaining existing relationships with individual donors, including identifying, prioritizing, and soliciting donors and prospects capable of contributing gifts of up to $50,000
• Building new and sustaining existing relationships with corporate donors and small businesses, including conducting research to identify prospects and understand giving motivations
• Developing relationships that lead to successful solicitations for programmatic and institutional support
• Collaborating with the Special Events department to execute cultivation and stewardship events for donors and corporate and business partners
• Developing tailored and persuasive proposals, solicitation letters, and pitch decks
• Ensuring updated and accurate donor acknowledgement on the website, signage, materials, press releases, etc.
• Tracking relevant correspondence to maintain accurate and complete records of donor contacts and communications

Requirements

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong management skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to bring out the best in staff
• Exceptional writing, communication, and interpersonal and relationship-building skills, plus impeccable attention to detail
• Ability to think strategically and analytically and effectively close gifts
• A collaborative, creative team player who is eager to contribute wherever needed
• Highly organized and self-motivated with strong initiative
• Ability to safeguard confidential information
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
• Ability to work occasionally on weekends and evenings
• Background or strong interest in advocating for visual art and culture is preferred

Qualifications

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture, and is an equal opportunities employer.

Pay

The compensation range for this role is $61,000.00 - $85,400.00 per year, with individual salaries determined by factors including market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise, and internal equity considerations.

Schedule

This is a full-time role, working 40 hours per week, with a regular day shift.