Director of Development and Philanthropy

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Talladega (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Talladega College in Alabama seeks a Director of Development and Philanthropy to lead its fundraising efforts. This position oversees donor engagement strategies, collaborates with campus leadership, and monitors fundraising performance.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in fundraising, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to the College's mission. A Bachelor's degree is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in fundraising or development operations.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation and meeting development goals.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Implement fundraising strategies and oversee development operations.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors through cultivation and solicitation.
• Monitor fundraising performance and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Fundraising experience

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Raiser’s Edge/NXT

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Development and Philanthropy serves as the senior operational fundraising leader within the Office of Institutional Advancement at Talladega College. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director is responsible for leading the daily execution of the College’s fundraising and donor engagement programs, ensuring strong systems, consistent performance, and measurable outcomes across all areas of development.

The Director provides hands‑on leadership in implementing the College’s philanthropic initiatives—including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, donor stewardship, and campaign operations—while maintaining alignment with the strategic priorities established by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

This position plays a critical role in strengthening fundraising infrastructure, enhancing donor engagement, expanding philanthropic support, and advancing the mission and long‑term sustainability of the College.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Strategic Operations

• Implement fundraising strategies and advancement initiatives to achieve annual and campaign goals.
• Oversee development operations, donor engagement efforts, and fundraising activities to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and best practices.
• Support comprehensive campaigns, philanthropic initiatives, and donor cultivation strategies.

Donor & Advancement Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major, leadership, and prospective donors through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Provide oversight for annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, donor recognition, and engagement activities.
• Collaborate with campus leadership to develop funding priorities, sponsorship opportunities, and donor investment proposals.

Collaboration & Institutional Support

• Work closely with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and campus partners to align fundraising, communications, alumni engagement, and institutional priorities.
• Serve as a liaison with campus departments, volunteer leadership groups, campaign committees, and advisory councils.
• Foster a collaborative and donor‑centered culture within the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Monitor fundraising performance, donor engagement metrics, and advancement reporting.
• Ensure accurate gift processing, donor documentation, reconciliation, and compliance with institutional policies, IRS regulations, and CASE standards.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience in fundraising, donor relations, advancement operations, and project management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge/NXT.
• Commitment to the mission and advancement priorities of Talladega College.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in fundraising, development operations, philanthropy, or advancement leadership.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, fundraising strategy implementation, and meeting development goals.
• Experience supervising staff, managing projects, and coordinating advancement initiatives preferred.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with institutional leadership, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Other Duties

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.