Assistant Director, Philanthropy & Engagement — Major Gifts

Aurora University; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora University seeks a collaborative, entrepreneurial Assistant Director of Philanthropy and Engagement to expand philanthropic support for the University’s mission and priorities.

A strategic relationship-builder, the director will manage a dynamic portfolio of alumni, parents, friends, and other constituents, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding meaningful partnerships with a focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 and above.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Minimum of two years of demonstrated fundraising experience with individual donors, preferably in an academic environment.
• Ability to articulate Aurora University’s mission and case for support.
• Experience with personal solicitations or in sales is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a dynamic portfolio of donors and prospects with a focus on major gifts of $25,000 and up.
• Build donor relationships through proactive outreach, visits, and strategic engagements.
• Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies and create briefing materials and proposals.
• Collaborate with Advancement and campus partners to align donor interests with university priorities.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals and maintain donor records in CRM.
• Represent the university at donor events and campus activities.
• Occasional evenings/weekends and travel ~30% are required.

Skills

Donor relations

Major gifts

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Aurora University seeks a collaborative, entrepreneurial Assistant Director of Philanthropy and Engagement to expand philanthropic support for the University’s mission and priorities.

A strategic relationship-builder, the director will manage a dynamic portfolio of alumni, parents, friends, and other constituents, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding meaningful partnerships with a focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 and above.