Director of Development

The Director of Development will advance the mission of Bowling Green State University by securing private philanthropic gifts of $25,000 or more, which are aligned with the University’s strategic objectives, programs and funding initiatives.

 

This position requires a significant level of self-motivation, goal-orientation, attention to detail, and commitment to identifying, establishing and sustaining professional relationships with potential major donors, alumni and friends to advance the constituent’s engagement with the University as a philanthropic supporter. Responsibilities will emphasize qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that work to secure major gifts in support of the university’s fundraising priorities.

Fundraising

  • Actively manage and engage a portfolio of 130-150 major gift ($25,000+) prospects.  Advance relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • In consultation with supervisor, Advancement Services staff, and other leadership, create an annual personalized work plan for accomplishing specific goals and objectives that align with overall Advancement priorities.
  • Actively participate in University Advancement’s activities and meetings including, but not limited to, divisional meetings, strategic planning sessions, prospect management meetings, and team collaboration meetings.
  • Coordinate prospect strategies and share call information with other fundraisers through personal communication and electronic contact reports.
  • Work with AVP for Development and colleagues in Gift Planning, Annual Giving, Prospect Management, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Alumni Engagement and Advancement Services to achieve the stated goals and objectives of University Advancement, and to facilitate positive outcomes for constituents, as needed.
  • Liaise to assigned college/unit/program(s), and/or as lead fund raiser for a geographic region, as assigned. Establish professional relationships with University leadership, deans, unit heads and faculty, and include them in engagement and solicitation strategies with key prospects and donors, as appropriate. Develop and implement a comprehensive short and long-term fundraising plan for assigned college/unit/program or geographic region, or combination thereof, to further the programs and fundraising initiatives of assigned area(s).
  • Meet annual visit goals through personal travel/interaction, virtual meetings, or substantive phone calls. Meet annual solicitation and attainment goals as developed in consultation with supervisor and Advancement Services.

 

Constituent Engagement

  • Engage board members, volunteers, alumni and friends of the University through strategic personal communication, meetings, and events.
  • Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the University, its programs, and strategic priorities.  Actively participate in campus life, including attendance at key events such as Homecoming, athletic competitions, student performances, gift announcements, and groundbreakings and dedications. Host donors and prospects at events that advance stewardship and cultivate for future philanthropic support.

Data and Process

  • Record pertinent contacts (visits, emails, phone calls) with prospects and donors in University Advancement’s database, timely and in accordance with divisional policies and procedures.
  • Record and maintain accurate open proposals in University Advancement’s database, timely and in accordance with divisional policies and procedures.
  • Follow all established processes and policies as established by University and Advancement leadership.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for University Advancement and the Assistant Vice President for Development

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Degree must be conferred at the time of application.  Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with the university’s vehicle policy.

 

Required experience:

  • 3 years of fundraising experience

Preferred experience:

  •  Experience in higher education or nonprofit
  •  Experience soliciting and closing gifts of $25,000 or higher

 

Salary

Full-time administrative staff position available.  Administrative grade level 358.  Salary to commensurate with education and experience.  Full benefits package available.

 

Benefits

Bowling Green State University provides a comprehensive benefit program as part of a total compensation package.  This includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, health accounts (medical & dependent), life & disability insurance, retirement plans, employee assistance program and tuition fee waivers for employees and their eligible dependents as well as paid time off, flexible work options, holidays and parental leave.  For more information please visit Benefits-at-a-Glance.pdf (bgsu.edu)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to promote the university’s fundraising priorities by developing professional and strategic relationships with major donors, prospects, and other friends of the university.
  • Ability to engage active listening skills and problem-solving mentality to help create a win-win for the donor and the university.
  • Ability to think entrepreneurially and strategically regarding the identification and qualification of new potential donors for the university.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and positively with university and divisional leadership and with other Advancement colleagues and campus partners.
  • Ability to independently move prospects through the donor cycle from discovery/qualification to cultivation to solicitation to stewardship.
  • Ability to draft proposals, fund agreements, and other documentation in collaboration with Advancement leadership, colleagues, and in consideration of University priorities and processes.
  • Ability to work within complex data management systems and to maintain timely and appropriate donor records.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and to operate with decorum and professionalism.
  • Understanding or willingness to learn industry best practice, CASE guidelines, and BGSU-specific policies, processes, and procedures.
  • Experience making asks and closing gifts at the major gift level.
  • General understanding and respect for the roles and responsibilities of all areas within the Advancement organization, including but not limited to Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Advancement Services, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and more.
  • Ability to review and interpret data as it relates to the role.
  • Ability to work responsibly within a set budget.
  • Willingness to employ all manner of appropriate communication to secure visits with prospective donors. This role will require local, regional, and national travel, with supervisor approval.
  • Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook required; experience working in donor databases or other CRM’s a plus.

Apply online here: https://bgsu.hiretouch.com/job-details-?jobID=6265&job=director-of-development