Senior Major Gifts Director

Augustana University; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Augustana University in Stamford, CT invites applications for a Director of Development, an integral member of the Advancement team, responsible for building and managing relationships with major gift prospects and donors.

The Director develops strategies to secure philanthropic support from alumni, parents, friends and supporters, managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and coordinating comprehensive asks to meet annual fundraising goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination.
• Three+ years of fundraising experience, incl. direct solicitation and multi-figure gifts.
• Experience assessing donor needs and building relationships.
• Experience creating and evaluating donor strategies.
• Strong ability to communicate a compelling case for support.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Commitment to ethical fundraising in private higher education.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Willingness to travel regionally and nationwide; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a portfolio of at least 150 qualified major gift prospects who can be solicited within a one-year timeframe.
• Develop and implement individualized strategies for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects.
• Conduct an average of 12 to 15 quality visits per month with major gift prospects.
• Present an average of two to three major gift proposals per month.
• Continually review and update donor and prospect ratings based on research, engagement, and visits.
• Manage donor relationships and moves management activity using the University’s donor tracking system.
• Develop comprehensive giving opportunities that may include annual unrestricted support, capital, endowment, and planned gifts.
• Build strong working relationships with faculty, senior academic leaders, trustees, volunteers, and members of the Advancement team to advance University fundraising priorities.
• Meet or exceed established annual fundraising and donor engagement goals.

Skills

Donor relationship

Communication

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Augustana University in Stamford, CT invites applications for a Director of Development, an integral member of the Advancement team, responsible for building and managing relationships with major gift prospects and donors.

The Director develops strategies to secure philanthropic support from alumni, parents, friends and supporters, managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and coordinating comprehensive asks to meet annual fundraising goals.