The Division of University Relations seeks a Director of Development within the Regional Programs unit.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director of Development works in targeted geographical areas locally and nationally to identify, cultivate and solicit major donors in support of college/unit-based priorities and university-wide initiatives. The successful candidate will engage regional development markets in close collaboration with unit and central-based development colleagues. The Director of Development will develop and manage a robust portfolio of donors and prospects to ensure positive and purposeful interactions leading to major gifts.

The Director of Development must be a highly energetic and collegial professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in the five and six figure range. The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively and strategically with units across campus including the Office of Gift Planning, Donor Relations, Annual Giving, the Alumni Association, as well as unit-based and school/college development officers, and university leaders.

This position requires extensive time out of the office meeting with prospective donors and travel is expected for approximately 60% of the time. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:
• A minimum of 6 to 8 years of successful major gift fundraising experience. 
• A track record of working collaboratively on philanthropic gifts within a complex institution, preferably in higher education. 
• A proven track record of initiating and building relationships with prospects. 
• A successful track record of soliciting, securing and closing major gifts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Energetic customer service-oriented professional 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the willingness to make “cold calls” in order to cultivate, solicit and close proposals.
• Ability to synthesize complex material and pay great attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills that will enable him or her to work well with diverse groups of constituents and colleagues.
• Ability to represent the university and its priorities in a compelling and professional manner.
• Ability to travel up to 60% of the time and will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends.