Director of Development- MGO (Unit Lead)

LSU Foundation; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LSU Foundation is seeking a development professional to manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors in Baton Rouge. You will qualify donors, create tailored engagement plans, and secure gifts that align with university priorities.

The role requires strong donor relations, excellent communication, and the ability to work independently as well as in a team. Occasional travel and evening events may be required in a professional office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
• Major gift or related fundraising experience.
• Team player with goal-oriented approach and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to present professionally and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors, executing strategy to advance gifts.
• Develop engagement plans aligning donor interests with university priorities and report impact.
• Document progress in the donor database and CRM.
• Collaborate with colleagues and fundraising agencies across campus as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Donor relations

Prospect cultivation

Major gifts

CRM experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM software

Donor database

Job description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, this position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects with the capacity to make a financial commitment in the form of a major, principal, or transformational gift. This position will serve as the liaison between the cohort and a designated academic unit.

Position Responsibilities

• 60 % Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors, effectively executing strategy against the Donor Commitment Continuum; Qualify prospective donors for portfolio; Create individual goals for each donor in the portfolio; achieve metric goals set forth by VP for Development and SDOD
• 20 % Establish an engagement plan for each donor and prospect in the portfolio that is focused on matching donor interests to university fundraising priorities, subsequently executing that plan and modifying it as circumstances change; Work with college faculty and staff to secure project information for creating compelling giving opportunities (front-end) and reporting to donors on how their giving made a difference (back-end)
• 10 % Utilize the donor database effectively to document progress with donors;
• 5 % Follow the policies and procedures to coordinate appropriately with all fundraising agencies on campus; Interact and collaborate with colleagues and fellow team members on a regular basis
• 5 % Other duties as assigned

Non-essential/marginal Position Responsibilities

• Serve on committees
• Assist with major college-related alumni or development events
• Attend relevant seminars or trainings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Major gift or related fundraising experience
• A team player with a goal-oriented approach to work
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• The ability to represent the organization in a professional, positive, manner
• Exceptional written and oral communicative skills
• The ability to self-motivate and work independently

Preferred

• A proven track record of soliciting and securing major gifts in a university environment
• Familiarity with electronic university advancement databases or CRM

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment Requirements

• This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment.
• The role routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related technology.
• The position will involve occasional travel, meetings, or attendance at events, as applicable to the role.
• Work hours are generally standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

Physical Demands

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to:

• Sit for extended periods of time
• Stand or walk occasionally
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Communicate clearly in person, by phone, and electronically
• Lift or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally (if applicable)

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).