Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The director of national development has a primary responsibility for the strategic solicitation of individual gifts for the Case School of Engineering. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding 125 prospects, including alumni, and non-alumni and a targeted group of local and national corporations and foundations for gifts of $100,000 to $250,000. Functioning as part of a university-wide development team, the incumbent will be expected to work collegially, and in partnership, with school-based colleagues and develop strong relationships with central development personnel and university trustees. This position will require that approximately 80% of their time be spent on direct face-to-face cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors and participate in planning and implementing school initiatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Plan strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts for a portfolio of 125 major gifts prospects with a giving potential in the range of $100,000 to $250,000; develop and implement strategic cultivation and solicitation strategies with the responsibility of raising private support and the achievement of personal fundraising goals. Develop and implement major gift prospect cultivation activities regionally and nationally in coordination with development and alumni relations colleagues. (65%)
Serve as development staff contact for chairs and other senior faculty; work with departments in the planning and implementation of departmental fundraising. Develop strategies to build a strong relationship with corporation and foundation partners, which may include the dean, associate dean and other senior staff of the school, president, provost and senior vice president of development and university relations. Develop major gift strategies that leverage corporation and foundation partnerships with on campus activities. (10%)
Serve as a member of the development staff and assist with the development and implementation of program strategies and overall departmental development plans to fulfill the mission of the school and the university. (10%)
Identify, qualify, recruit, train and manage alumni volunteers as appropriate, who will actively participate in the soliciting of gifts of all levels. Partner with volunteers to engage and cultivate individuals who have capacity to make gifts of $100,000 to $250,000 to the school. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide assistance with other funding priorities as determined by the executive director of development and external relations. (4%)
Perform other duties as assigned by the executive director of development and external relations. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with dean, associate/assistant deans, department chairs, directors, faculty, students and staff as required to perform essential functions.
University: Contact with the president's office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, alumni, directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.
External: Daily contact with donors, alumni, foundation representatives, community organizers/ advocates, corporate executives and federal, state and local government officials. Contact with visitors, academic boards and organizations as required to perform essential functions.
Students: Contact with undergraduate, graduate and professional students as required to perform essential functions.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 7 or more years of professional experience required. Experience in higher education, including the areas of development, alumni relations, public relations, marketing or related fields preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree required; prefer Master's degree.
REQUIRED SKILLS
High degree of energy, creativity, organization and interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General office environment, some evening and weekend work hours will be required. Extensive travel required.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 7 or more years of professional experience required. Experience in higher education, including the areas of development, alumni relations, public relations, marketing or related fields preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree required; prefer Master's degree.
