Director of Development

Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the purpose of this position is to serve as the Director of Development, establishing and managing a comprehensive development program that works closely with multiple University offices to ensure a collaborative fundraising approach. The Director of Development works in a team setting to promote the University and cultivate internal and external constituents in support of the mission, vision, and values of the University of West Alabama.

Responsibilities

Identify potential sources of private gift support and develop appropriate strategies to generate major and principal gifts to support UWA. Provide leadership, direction, and training to development officers. Develop a personal prospect portfolio of high-worth prospects and travel to meet with donors and potential donors to secure major gifts to meet fundraising goals and objectives.

Create and foster an environment conducive to high performance; ability to hire and build a cohesive team of development officers; mentor and manage staff, maintaining clear monthly goals and annual performance reviews; develop performance plans and conduct reviews. Develop proposals and presentation materials relative to top fundraising priorities that will keep top prospects informed and involved.

Responsible for a comprehensive stewardship program. Oversee all prospect research and set expectations for that program. Assist with various fundraising activities including board meetings and special events as assigned. Manage an overall strategic vision for development and associated alumni office functions, including developing and implementing collaborative fundraising strategies and plans.

Function as an integral part of the Institutional Advancement Office team by collaborating with Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Engagement, the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, and Alumni Affairs to grow fundraising opportunities and steward donors. Responsible for planned giving initiatives. Participate in special projects, programs, initiatives, and other duties as assigned.

Prepare quarterly and annual reports (impact reports) on development-related initiatives and programs. Collaborate with the Alumni Director and Alumni Engagement & Scholarship Coordinator to assist with the planning of all Annual Fund-related activities. Supervise student assistants as necessary. Ensure timely responses to emails and phone calls and assist with alumni communications (mailings, surveys, email newsletter, etc.)

and social media as needed. Serve on University committees requiring representation of Development/Advancement as assigned by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Other duties as assigned by University administration.

Required: Bachelor’s Degree. Five (5) years of fundraising, development, or sales experience in a progressively responsible position. Desired: Master’s Degree. Ten (10) years of fundraising or development experience in progressively responsible positions. Experience with a capital fundraising campaign. Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar database.

Experience working with volunteer groups. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong organizational, leadership, and event-planning skills. Tech-savvy with knowledge of database management programs, such as Raiser’s Edge and other business software. General understanding of marketing, public relations, bookkeeping, and other standard business practices.

Initiative and self-direction. Adaptable with the ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously. Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to travel and work extended hours, including nights and weekends. Ability to maintain confidential information.

Before hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources. To Apply: When you select "Apply Now," you will be prompted to provide the following: Cover Letter. A current resume or CV. Transcripts of all college work.

Unofficial transcripts will suffice for application. Official transcripts must be submitted immediately upon employment. Email and phone number of three professional references. Reference letters may be requested later. Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until position is filled.