Director of Major Gifts

Director of Major Gifts

Summary:

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive gift program. This position plays a vital role in securing philanthropic support from high-net-worth individuals, corporations and foundations to advance the University’s fundraising goals and priorities to secure private support from alumni and friends of the University, focusing on both unrestricted support as well as restricted capital projects. 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct an active gift solicitation program with alumni and friends for restricted and unrestricted gifts. 
• Identify and qualify major gift prospects through research, relationship building and networking to develop, coordinate and submit proposals to potential donors, especially for gifts of $1,000 and greater.
• Manage a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors, while monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of major gift fundraising, tracking interactions and progress toward fundraising goals in the donor database and assessing next steps. 
• Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans to recognize and retain major gift donors, including acknowledgement, reporting and recognition opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in the Advancement/Development department, including annual giving and alumni relations to insure to develop and execute a comprehensive planned giving plan.
• Manage the grant application process from pre-proposal concept development to post-award grant management and reporting. This includes identification, research, writing, editing, budget development, submission and reporting. These activities should be done in collaboration with other appropriate University faculty and staff.
• Work with the University’s communications and marketing team to develop compelling materials, proposals and case statements for major gift solicitations.
• May include some travel regionally to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual donors.
• Assist with sponsorship and auction efforts related to the annual Steer Dinner in the following ways:
  
  • Assist with year-round efforts to build sponsorship for the dinner.
  • Assist with logistics/event planning activities associated with the event.
  • Assist with coordinating volunteer committees.
  • Assist with the completion of follow-up activities.
• Serve as a project coordinator for miscellaneous projects.  
• Serve as team leader for various capital or other projects that will require private support and identify prospects for the project.
• Work with campus team (building & grounds, academic, etc.) to take the project from conception to reality.
• Complete follow-up activities such as naming opportunities, signage, etc.
• Assist the Vice President for Advancement and the Senior Director of Development with special projects and all other duties as assigned. 
• Assist in web site development related to giving opportunities.
• Maintain a visible presence on campus.
• Assist with recognition societies and other stewardship activities related to major gifts.
• Develop program plan and a system of dashboards to track major gifts and assist with the annual giving section.
• Develop stories highlighting special gifts for the alumni magazine. 
• Champion diversity, build an inclusive culture and learning experience, and maintain an equitable learning environment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with three years related experience.
• Significant experience in gift solicitation, donor recognition and stewardship, and corporate and foundation relations.
• have the ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic team. 
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, some travel also required.
• Strong fundraising and interpersonal communication skills and superb writing skills
• Independent judgment; attention to detail; ability to manage complex tasks and meet deadlines 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint   
• Experience working with Jenzabar preferred
• Multilingual skills highly preferred
  

Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits:

This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance. 

The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities.  Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.