Director of Development, Foundation Relations

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Bachelors degree and two years of experience with gifts of $25000 or more; or a combination of education and related experience.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Georgia State University Advancement works to further Georgia States status as a national leader in student success research and innovation and cultural impact. By connecting with alumni engaging donors and increasing philanthropic support for students and scholars were helping to transform lives and build our global community. The University Advancement Division furthers the university and its mission through several departments including Development Corporate & Foundation Relations Alumni Relations and the Georgia State University Foundation.

Corporate and Foundation Relations

The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) works with Georgia State faculty and administrators and with foundations and corporations to foster mutually beneficial collaborations and meaningful partnerships in areas such as philanthropy sponsored research student recruitment technology transfer and continuing education.

These are exciting times at the University Advancement. We are growing and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to identify cultivate and steward donors.

Are you ready for us Are you seeking an opportunity with purpose and direction If you are we have the perfect opportunity for you! We hire great people from a wide variety of educational career and personal backgrounds not just because it is the right thing to do but because it makes us a stronger team.

University Advancement is seeking (1)Director of Developmentto join the already incredible team taking Georgia State University to the next level of excellence!

WHAT MAKES UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT A GREAT PLACE

• Generous benefits including health dental vision tuition assistance retirement etc.

• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with cross-campus and external partners

• Professional development opportunity and mentorship

• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Job Summary

Under the leadership of the Senior Director of Foundation Relations the Director of Development will be a major gift front-line fundraiser responsible for leading major gift strategies from identification through stewardship. Directors of Development will manage individual portfolios with prospects capable of giving gifts in excess of $50000. Portfolios will range in size from 120 to 150 individuals face-to-face visits will be 10-15 visits per month and fundraising goals will be equivalent to and at a minimum of $1-2M annually. Directors are responsible for having a comprehensive understanding of university priorities regularly meeting with prospects and donors (with a focus on face-to-face visits) regularly meeting with advancement colleagues and academic leaders preparing briefing materials and gift proposals attending events and staffing and/or supervising projects as assigned.

Successful candidates will approach their role with a sense of donor-centeredness collaboration and transparency. They will have strong communication skills and be willing to serve as role models to other professionals and support staff. High integrity strong self-motivation innovation flexibility and passion are all valued qualities on the University Advancement team. Additionally successful candidates will have a proven ability to build long-term relationships while also consistently meeting fundraising goals. Individuals will also be required to work nights and weekends when necessary and travel (via plane train or car) at least 15% of the time within and outside of the state of Georgia. As our program is complex and in a phase of rapid innovation the ability to adapt to quickly changing environments is key.

Job Duties

Fundraising and Prospect Management (75%)

• Manage a portfolio of 120 150 prospects that include the most influential complex or highest capacity-rated donors. Ensure regular contact with donors through various activities and communications especially face-to-face visits.

• Qualify major gift prospects and solicit gifts directly by conducting 10 15 face-to-face visits per month and consistently raising a minimum of $1M - $2M annually. Identify new major gift prospects: develop and execute cultivation and solicitation plans for gifts primarily $50000 and above from individuals corporations and foundations. Ensure that predetermined fundraising goals are met by designing and implementing highly specialized activities for portfolio prospects and donors.

• Independently lead and direct a comprehensive fundraising plan for the assigned portfolio and University Advancement fundraising initiatives. Create write implement and/or evaluate individualized marketing plans and/or strategies for cultivation and solicitation of major gifts gift planning or corporate/foundation prospects that require a high degree of innovation. Collaborate with Advancement departments in developing plans and strategies customized for prospects and donors as appropriate.

• In consultation with supervisor and peers identify develop initiate and manage fundraising efforts in support of University Advancement goals for campus cohorts to include current funding priorities special fundraising initiatives prospect pipeline and develop individual and programmatic strategies for moving prospects from identification and qualification to solicitation and closure. Coordinate activities with other development officers and entities including deans faculty staff and administrators. Identify organize and direct the efforts of philanthropic volunteers.

• Write complex proposals for solicitation of high-value individuals corporate and/or foundation prospects. Corresponding to the prospects interest develop persuasive written and oral presentations gift proposals concept papers and/or informal descriptions for gift ideas for presentations to donors adhering to campus policies and procedures governing gifts. Present formal fundraising proposals to major donors and prospects or prepare senior management for the presentation of proposals. Meet with administration to identify needs and develop specific proposals and solicitation methods.

• May attend functions meetings and serve on internal/external committees as a representative of assigned cohort Advancement or the University. Work nights and weekends when necessary travel (via plane train or car) at least 15% of the time within and outside of the state of Georgia.

Donor Recognition and Stewardship (10%)

• Serve as a resource for the assigned cohort interacting with prospects donors staff and outside professionals to provide information advice and counsel regarding the assigned specialized program(s). Work with University Advancement leadership and the Offices of Donor Experience and Engagement to develop implement and coordinate donor recognition and stewardship opportunities.

• Work with University Advancement leadership and the Offices of Donor Experience and Engagement to develop and present reports to donors on the use of gift funds with emphasis on longer-term outcomes and leveraging of gift funds.

• Create establish and evaluate methods for building/maintaining prospect and volunteer constituencies and identify recruit and direct the activities of high-level volunteers. Provide leadership to implement successful donor relations and stewardship programs and initiatives to ensure regular contact with donors through various activities and communications. Provide vehicles for continued awareness on the part of donors of current unit needs and objectives in order to encourage continued giving.

Leadership and Administration (10%)

• Serve as an expert or lead development professional in a cohort area such as major gifts gift planning or corporate / foundation relations that includes donors capable of making very significant contributions to the University. Responsible for ensuring collaboration with Prospect Management & Research Donor Relations Gifts & Records Development IT and Foundation Accounting to ensure proper records are kept during all phases of fundraising.

• In accordance with division practices and procedures:

  • Maintain accurate records for prospects and donors within Ascend CRM;

  • Report the status of pledges and gifts to the Offices of Gifts & Records and Foundation Accounting.

  • Enter and review contact reports attend prospect management meetings and compile meaningful reports of Advancement operations that will adequately inform the various GSU constituents.

  • Connect with donors related to endowed funds and scholarships including sharing endowment reports connecting with scholarship students and other specialized activities.

• Work cooperatively with university and college/unit leadership development officers faculty staff and administrative personnel to coordinate successful advancement efforts. As requested attend and actively participate in Cohort and Advancement team meetings team-building activities committees work groups task forces etc. as part of the responsibility to the larger campus community.

Other (5%)

• Serve as a thoughtful collaborative and accountable team member. Commit to ethical standards and adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights. Commit to the highest standards of civility and decency toward all and to promoting and supporting a community where all people can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of abuse.

• These responsibilities are not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties if requested by the supervisor. Responsibilities are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary.

To be fully considered for this position all candidates must submit the following at the time of submission:

• A complete and accurate GSU application.

• Resume.

• Cover Letter outlining your experiences as they relate to the purpose and mission of GSU Advancement.