Associate Director, Development - Lerner College of Business & Economics

University of Delaware; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Newark is seeking an Associate Director of Development to manage major gift fundraising efforts. This role involves cultivating and soliciting gifts of $50,000 or more from a qualified portfolio of prospects. Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree and significant experience in fundraising or sales. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to handle confidential information. Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of relevant experience in development, sales, or customer relations.
• Proven ability to close philanthropic gifts at six figures.
• Understanding of regionally based philanthropy.
• Experience in higher education or non-profit settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 50 to 75 qualified major giving prospects.
• Conduct all stages of the major gift process, including qualification and solicitation.
• Develop strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Support college/unit leadership in fundraising activities.

Skills

Fundraising skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Donor database software

Job description

Context Of Job

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for major gift fundraising for the assigned College/unit(s), including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors for the college. The emphasis of the position is on soliciting gifts of $50,000 or more from individuals. The Associate Director of Development reports to the Senior Director of Development and works closely with the assigned College leadership, faculty, and staff.

Major Responsibilities

Fundraising (95%)

• Manage a portfolio of 50 to 75 qualified major giving prospects identified through capacity, inclination, and timing to make a significant gift of $50,000 or more.
• Conduct all stages of the major gift process, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of identified prospects in the assigned College/unit or in support of University-identified priorities.
• Provide donors and prospects with an exceptional experience, moving them to gift closure through thoughtful and meaningful communication and engagement.
• Follow the execution of solicitation plans for all assigned prospects that identify key steps toward moving prospects to a successful solicitation within three years.
• Acquire knowledge of College and University programs and projects to develop and implement donor cultivation and solicitation strategies effectively and efficiently.
• Develop draft proposals and agreements for named initiatives and recognition opportunities for donors. Follow and execute stated processes and procedures.

College/Unit Partner

(5%)

• Serve as a DAR contact and support the assigned college/unit Dean, Department Chairs, faculty, and staff with the execution of fundraising strategies and donor engagement activities.
• Assist as needed with the coordination and scheduling of DAR and College/unit monthly fundraising meetings.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for gift officers who are working with prospects in the assigned college/unit.
• Work collaboratively with development colleagues who manage College-based donors and prospects with philanthropic interests.
• Assist as needed in the coordination of stewardship reports and activities for prospects with appropriate members of the administration and faculty of the assigned College/unit.

Collegiality

• Partner effectively with colleagues within DAR to foster a cross-functional team approach to achieve the goals of the assigned College/unit and the University overall.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of four years of relevant experience (development, sales, customer relations, etc.), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to solicit and close philanthropic gifts at six figures, or equivalent experience in a related field such as sales.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic plans that support program activities and contribute to the goals of Advancement and the fundraising enterprise.
• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, team-building abilities, tact, poise, and diplomacy when working with a wide variety of personalities.
• Ability to engage with individuals of considerable social status and affluence.
• Good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to handle highly confidential information.
• Detail-oriented, self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet aggressive timelines.
• Working knowledge of electronic mail and calendars, Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and other donor database software.
• Understanding of regionally based philanthropy; experience in higher education or non-profit settings preferred; direct experience with fundraising, volunteer management, and knowledge of the University of Delaware is highly desirable.
• Committed to fostering a positive workplace culture of belonging.
• Use initiative and independence to develop new methods, strategies, and techniques.
• Exercise autonomy in researching, evaluating, developing, and executing activities designed to engage and identify principal and major gifts.