Director of Development - Law

Undalumni; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance with employer contributions

Retirement plan with generous contributions

Paid holidays and generous time off

UND tuition waiver

Flexible benefits plans

Job summary

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation seeks a Director of Development to spearhead major gift fundraising for the School of Law. This strategic role involves collaborating with the Dean and faculty to cultivate high-capacity donors, manage a substantial donor portfolio, and implement effective fundraising strategies.

Ideal candidates will have 2-5 years of experience in fundraising, demonstrating proven success in fostering donor relationships and achieving ambitious fundraising goals. Additional perks include health insurance, retirement plans, and a commitment to work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in customer/client relations or sales management.
• Knowledge of the fundraising process.

Responsibilities

• Lead major gift fundraising for the School of Law.
• Develop meaningful engagement strategies.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent problem-solving skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to solicit donations

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Education

2-5 years experience in fundraising or customer/client relations

Job description

Are you a relationship-builder who thrives on connecting donor passions with transformational impact? The UND Alumni Association & Foundation is seeking a Director of Development to lead major gift fundraising efforts for the School of Law.

In this role, you'll partner closely with the Dean, faculty, and university leadership to identify, cultivate, and solicit major and planned gifts that advance the mission of the School of Law and the University of North Dakota. You'll manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, develop meaningful engagement strategies, and inspire philanthropic investment through personalized outreach and compelling proposals.

We're looking for a motivated, strategic fundraiser who excels at building relationships, and communicating the value of higher education.

If you're ready to help shape the future of legal education through philanthropy, we'd love to hear from you.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director of Development will work closely with the Dean of the School of Law and faculty to enhance and support their fundraising efforts. This position is primarily responsible for the qualification, cultivation and solicitation of individual prospects capable of giving in excess of $25,000. The Director of Development will be responsible for major gifts fundraising within the School of Law and UND, including arranging cultivation and solicitation visits with individuals, corporations, foundations and the development of proposals for private funding. This position is responsible for expanding the organization's donor base by forging new relationships with potential donors of all levels. The Director of Development is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of 90-120 and major gift prospects and soliciting them for multi-year pledges. The Director of Development will actively engage the prospects in the portfolio and schedule approximately 100-125 personal visits annually.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

FUNDRAISING

• Work with the Vice President of Development and the School of Law department to create and implement a development plan for the School of Law.
• Work in conjunction with the Vice President of Development and the Dean to establish performance goals in assigned areas, monitor progress against goals and devise strategies to ensure success in meeting these goals.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit and close major and planned gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and friends to reach predetermined goal while maintaining and growing existing relationships to benefit UND.
• Communicate and advocate the needs of UND and the School of Law to prospective donors.
• Traveling regionally and nationally as well as attend evening, weekend activities, and appropriate events, programs and meetings.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Experience: 2-5 years’ experience in fundraising, preferably higher education, or demonstrated success in customer/client relations or sales management.

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

Ability to operate computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. Ability to focus and complete work in a timely manner. Ability to travel independently via car and air. Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, squat, and lift or move objects up to 10 pounds.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of fundraising process and ability to solicit donations
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Resourceful and willing to take initiative
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to relate well to legal professionals
• Ability to stay on task within the context of the big picture goal
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion
• Demonstrated integrity
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Self‑motivated and confident
• Ability to adjust effectively to dynamic situations
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation supports employees through a highly competitive total compensation package that includes competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, along with career growth opportunities, and supports work‑life blend for our employees.

Benefits at UNDAAF includes health insurance with employer contributions towards premium, retirement plan with generous employer contributions, employer paid life and long‑term disability insurance, paid holidays, generous paid time off policy, paid volunteer opportunities, EAP, UND tuition waiver, summer hours. Other elective benefits available: flexible benefits plans, dental, vision, STD, cancer care, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, voluntary life insurance for spouse and dependents.

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation recognizes that work‑life blend is an important component of a larger picture of life responsibilities, obligations, goals and interests. We will make every effort in creating a work‑life blend model that reflects life situations while also ensuring maximum productivity.

Statement:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support Visa sponsorship for continued employment.

This position will be an in‑office position.