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- Tasks: Lead university fundraising initiatives and build relationships with donors and alumni.
- Company: Dynamic university committed to philanthropy and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of education through fundraising.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant travel and collaboration with university leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
The Executive Director, Development is a key leadership role and member of the President’s Cabinet, responsible for leading a comprehensive university fundraising program. This individual will work closely with the university’s leadership and SSU foundation, faculty, community, and alumni to foster a culture of philanthropy and secure significant gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other key stakeholders. The role involves strategic planning, major gift solicitation, and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, alumni, and other supporters of the university. The Executive Director, Development will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the university’s mission and enhancing its philanthropic engagement.
This position will work closely with the university deans, advisory boards, the Shawnee State University Foundation, and the SSU Alumni Association, including each organization’s executive staff and volunteer boards.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities- Strategic Planning & Fundraising Leadership
- Major Gift Fundraising & Campaign Management
- Alumni and Donor Relations
- Team Management, Data & Reporting
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Planning & Fundraising Leadership: Create and execute plans to cultivate and meet goals for special projects, college capital and annual funds, athletics, and scholarships, ensuring alignment of fundraising initiatives with the university’s mission, vision, and long-term goals. Develop and implement the university’s fundraising strategies and goals, at the direction of and in collaboration with the President and the President’s Cabinet. Build relationships with academic departments, faculty, and university leadership to identify funding priorities. Work closely with the Office of Communications to ensure the development team’s messaging aligns with the university’s overall marketing and branding efforts.
- Major Gift Fundraising & Campaign Management: Lead efforts to secure major gifts for capital campaigns, endowments, and other priority initiatives. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects capable of making significant contributions to the university. Coordinate and lead the cultivation and solicitation of gifts in collaboration with university leadership, deans, faculty, and trustees. Oversee university-wide fundraising campaigns, including goal-setting, planning, implementation, and reporting.
- Alumni and Donor Relations: Cultivate strong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the university. Oversee donor stewardship programs to ensure long-term engagement and continued giving.
- Team Management, Data & Reporting: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities. Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture. Provide leadership and direction for the development team, setting performance metrics and monitoring progress. Maintain a high level of staff performance and retention by cultivating a positive work environment. Ensure that fundraising data is accurately tracked, analyzed, and reported to university leadership, donors, and other stakeholders. Prepare reports and presentations for the Board, President, and other key stakeholders.
Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proven success in developing and leading strategic fundraising initiatives, particularly in the areas of major gifts, capital campaigns, and annual giving.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor relations, and campaign management.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Deep knowledge of development software, donor management systems, and fundraising analytics tools.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Five (5) years of experience in higher education fundraising or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to secure major gifts.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree preferred
- More than 10 years’ experience preferred
- CFRE preferred
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
- Experience with planned giving and working with high-net-worth individuals.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP(S): Reports to the University President
WORKING CONDITIONS: Significant travel including overnight travel required. Normal office conditions.
Executive Director, Development in Portsmouth employer: Shawnee State University
Contact Detail:
Shawnee State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, Development in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with alumni, faculty, and community members. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building those relationships can open doors to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for philanthropy! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for fundraising and how you can contribute to their mission. Make it clear that you’re not just looking for a job; you want to make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the university’s current fundraising initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can help elevate their efforts. Tailor your pitch to show you understand their unique challenges and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, Development in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Executive Director, Development role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and strategic planning, and show how your skills align with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful fundraising initiatives you've led. We want to see how you’ve made a real impact in previous roles, especially in securing major gifts.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value genuine passion for philanthropy and education, so don’t hesitate to express why you’re excited about this opportunity with us.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shawnee State University
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest fundraising strategies and best practices. Brush up on your knowledge of major gift solicitation and campaign management, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to cultivate strong relationships with donors, alumni, and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with various groups in the past and how you plan to do so in this role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a potential Executive Director, you’ll need to show your leadership capabilities. Share specific instances where you’ve led a team or project, focusing on how you motivated others and achieved results together.
✨Align with the University’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the university’s mission and values. During the interview, express how your vision for fundraising aligns with their goals, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to enhancing their philanthropic engagement.
