Assistant Director of Development - Major Gifts

Dakota State University; Madison (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reduction

Retirement plan

Job summary

Dakota State University is seeking a relationship-driven Assistant Director of Development to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends capable of gifts of $5,000 or more. The role focuses on building philanthropic partnerships that fuel DSU's vision and secure its future.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree and 1–3 years in fundraising, preferably in higher education. Strong relationship-building, data analysis, and public speaking skills are essential, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Marketing, Education, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 1-3 years in fundraising, especially major gifts or leadership giving.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential donors through research and engagement.
• Develop and implement personalized strategies to cultivate relationships.
• Solicit gifts aligned with the university's strategic needs.
• Maintain relations with existing donors through communication and recognition.
• Maintain accurate donor records in Raiser's Edge.

Skills

Fundraising

Major Gifts

Donor Relations

Data Analysis

Public Speaking

Excel

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Dakota State University is seeking a relationship-driven Assistant Director of Development to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends capable of gifts of $5,000 or more. The role focuses on building philanthropic partnerships that fuel DSU's vision and secure its future.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree and 1–3 years in fundraising, preferably in higher education. Strong relationship-building, data analysis, and public speaking skills are essential, with