Director Major Gifts, College of Arts & Sciences

Summary

Position Title

Director Major Gifts, College of Arts & Sciences

Department

University Advancement

Status

Full Time/Exempt

Job Summary

The College of Arts & Sciences is the educational core of Jacksonville University, generating the largest number of graduates of all of the University’s professional schools and promoting a complete experience for all JU students. The College of Arts & Sciences provides students with meaningful internships, impactful faculty-student research, and rewarding service-learning and study abroad opportunities in the disciplines of the natural sciences, social sciences, education, and mathematics.

This Director will also oversee fundraising related to Jacksonville University’s unique, interdisciplinary learning communities, the Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) and the Public Policy Institute (PPI).

This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraiser to join the growing University Advancement department and forge new relationships across disciplines on behalf of the University and its transformative fundraising campaign.

The Director of Major Gifts will work on a daily basis with the Dean of the College to support the overall major gift efforts of Jacksonville University. The Director will serve as the University Advancement liaison to the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as the Marine Science Research Institute and Public Policy Institute, with major gift support provided to the other Colleges or Institutes within the University as needed. Reporting to the Vice President, Advancement and Associate Vice President of Development, this position will also work closely with College and Institute leadership to develop donor strategy and build relationships.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary manager for a portfolio of at minimum 150 prospects, moving potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion from identification, cultivation, solicitation and to closure of gifts of $25,000 and up.
• Develop a compelling case for support encompassing the wide array of elements that provide an outstanding education, such as capital, operational, scholarly, curricular, and co-circular funding opportunities as well as faculty support, scholarships, and financial aid.
• Recommend and implement short, intermediate and long-term individual major gifts cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual prospects (e.g. University alumni, parents, trustees, friends of the University, current students, board members, faculty and staff), working with administration, faculty, board members, volunteers (as appropriate) to identify and engage new prospects for purposes of meeting fundraising goals.
• Identify prospects, engage in personal outreach, all necessary travel, and oversight of gift closure process, meeting metrics that include an expectation of at minimum 100-125 personal touchpoints/visits per year.
• Plan and implement events and activities (volunteer experiences, tours, receptions, friend-raisers, etc.) for individual major gift donors, using existing activities as appropriate; engage in networking activities or other opportunities to generate potential prospects.
• Work closely with College, Institute, and University leadership to support and expand the College of Arts & Sciences Advisory Board.
• Maintain basic knowledge of non-cash gifts, investments and other planned giving opportunities.
• Cultivate and expand planned giving opportunities with new and existing donors, and integrate planned gift objectives into donor solicitations in collaboration with Advancement leadership.
• Represent the College of Arts & Sciences externally; participate with College leadership (when appropriate) in community and industry-related events.
• Work with Advancement Marketing and Communications to develop major gift materials (e.g. proposals, overviews and other informational and stewardship materials).
• Work with Advancement Services to request research and other information on alumni, parents, and friends to qualify interest and giving potential.
• Monitor weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual activity to achieve individual performance measures (e.g. meetings, proposals, major gift revenue).
• Assist administrators and faculty in the recognition and prioritization of institutional and departmental funding needs, in particular for any assigned schools, departments, units or programs; keep abreast of institutional and departmental priorities, University programs, personalities and events.
• Track and report relationship management activity using Raisers Edge® constituent relationship management system.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with other team members.
• This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet institutional needs. 

Required Skills/Abilities

Jacksonville University is seeking a proven fundraiser with a demonstrated track record of accomplishments. The ideal candidate will possess the following: At least five years of fundraising or nonprofit experience, preferably in a higher education setting. Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, including the ability to secure gifts of $25,000 or more. Experience developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies and plans. Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising and donor relations. Strong presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate the mission, vision, and priorities of the College and University objectives to various audiences. Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop compelling proposals and other donorfacing materials. Ability to analyze and interpret data to inform fundraising strategies and plans. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals including alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and volunteers. Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to forge new relationships on behalf of the College and the University. Strong familiarity with fundraising software, preferably Raiser’s Edge. 

Education, Certificates, Licenses, & Experience

• Six to eight years of fundraising or nonprofit experience, most of which is in a higher education setting or transferable field
• Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Strong computer literacy skills and the ability to learn new software
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

To Apply

Interested applicants are asked to submit a copy of their resume, cover letter, and list of references along with a completed JU application to Leslie Redd, Associate Vice President for Development, at lredd@ju.edu.