Job Details

Reporting to the cohort lead, this position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects with the capacity to make a financial commitment in the form of a major, principal, or transformational gift.

The director will join a dynamic cohort of development professionals supporting the College of Engineering, the College of the Coast & Environment, the College of Science, and the Honors College. Together, these units are known as the Cypress Cohort.

Essential Responsibilities

60 % | Fundraising

Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors, effectively executing strategy against the Donor Commitment Continuum; Qualify prospective donors for portfolio; Create individual goals for each donor in the portfolio; Achieve metric goals set forth by SVP for Development and SDOD

20 % | Donor Engagement

Establish an engagement plan for each donor and prospect in the portfolio that is focused on matching donor interests to university fundraising priorities, subsequently executing that plan and modifying it as circumstances change; Work with college faculty and staff to secure project information for creating compelling giving opportunities (front-end) and reporting to donors on how their giving made a difference (back-end)

10 % | Database Management

Utilize the donor database effectively to document progress with donors.

5 % | Collaboration

Follow the policies and procedures to coordinate appropriately with all fundraising agencies on campus.

Interact and collaborate with colleagues and fellow team members on a regular basis.

5 % | Miscellaneous

Other duties as assigned.

Non-essential/marginal position responsibilities

• Serve on committees
• Assist with major college-related alumni or development events
• Attend relevant seminars or trainings

• Major gift or related fundraising experience

• A proven track record of soliciting and securing major gifts in a university environment

• Familiarity with electronic university advancement databases
• Exceptional written and oral communicative skills
• The ability to self-motivate and work independently
• Sensitivity to the need of diverse constituencies
• A team player with a goal-oriented approach to work
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• The ability to represent the organization in a professional, positive, manner

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university

• Timely Decision Making/Judgment : Demonstrates the ability to make judicious and effective decisions.
• Relationship Building : Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with others outside of the organization.
• Tenacity : Achieves a desired outcome in the face of setbacks, obstacles, or challenging circumstances.
• Professionalism : Thinks carefully about the likely effects on others of one's words, actions, appearance, and mode of behavior.

• May be required to work extended workdays, evenings, and weekends to meet deadlines
• May be required to travel 40% of the time