Director of Philanthropy

As Austin Peay State University approaches its centennial, we're seeking a Director of Philanthropy for the Division of Student Affairs. As institutional priorities evolve, this position may also be assigned additional fundraising responsibilities in support of the university’s overall philanthropic goals. The Director of Philanthropy’s primary responsibility will be the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects capable of gifts in the $25,000 and up range.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities As Austin Peay State University approaches its centennial, we're seeking a Director of Philanthropy for the Division of Student Affairs. As institutional priorities evolve, this position may also be assigned additional fundraising responsibilities in support of the university’s overall philanthropic goals.

The Director of Philanthropy’s primary responsibility will be the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects capable of gifts in the $25,000 and up range. Fundraising Management (70%): Work with the area leadership to identify and define priority needs to be funded through external support.

Responsible for raising major gifts for the area unit’s priorities through pledges, outright gifts, or deferred gifts. Plan and execute a development plan, which includes identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors ($10,000+), while working independently or collaboratively with volunteers.

Manage a major gift prospect portfolio of between 85–100 qualified major gift prospects, including those top prospects requiring attention from the APSU President or area leadership. Execute 20+ contacts per month, with at least half being personal, direct contact. Serve as the main liaison between the Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy and units leadership, staff, and faculty.

Document gifts and pledges and adhere to policies and procedures for accepting, recording, and acknowledging gifts. Coordinate donor engagement opportunities for the Vice President of Student Affairs. Assist in the coordination of sponsorship opportunities tied to student engagement initiatives, career readiness, and wellbeing.

Coordinate donor experiences connected to key initiatives. Activities (30%): Work closely with the Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, Athletics, and other internal stakeholders to maximize fundraising efforts through participation in alumni events, university events or meetings as deemed necessary for fundraising outcomes.

Provide thoughtful, consistent and appropriate donor stewardship, including invitations to events and impact reports. Monitor and enter all activities in the CRM system in an accurate and timely manner. Coordinate a unit advisory council to include developing agendas and engagement experiences, managing follow up communication, and supporting the recruitment of new members.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Results-oriented with professional characteristics that include leadership, commitment to confidentiality, flexibility, team-orientation, attention to detail and sensitivity to the stewardship of long-term relationships. Experience cultivating and maintaining donors in a mission-driven organization.

Ability to travel extensively (40% of the time), including overnight and occasional weekends. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree and experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, sales or related field. Demonstrated ability to work with various stakeholders at all levels to achieve common goals and objectives Ability to work weekends, nights and travel when necessary Ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills Candidate must show attention to detail and the ability to balance strategic and scheduled responsibilities.

Physical Requirements Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.