Inside Higher Ed · 19 hours ago
Director of Development, Foundation Relations
Atlanta, GA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
2+ years expInside Higher Ed is dedicated to advancing Georgia State University’s mission of student success and innovation. They are seeking a Director of Development to lead major gift strategies and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, ensuring fundraising goals of $1-2M annually are met through face-to-face engagements and tailored proposals.
Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting
Responsibilities
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 $50,000 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 prospect’s 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
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and two years of experience with gifts of $25,000 or more; or a combination of education and related experience
Benefits
Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
Professional development opportunity and mentorship
Company
Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed is the online source for news, opinion, and jobs related to higher education.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2022-01-10Acquired
2006-08-31Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Stephanie Shweiki
Director, Foundation Partnerships
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