Siena Heights University is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development.
About Siena Heights University:
Siena Heights University is a Catholic institution founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, and a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), located in beautiful Adrian, Michigan. With a student population averaging 1,700 undergraduates and 163 graduate-level students: with approximately 300 employees. The Siena Heights University mission is “to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all” and the team at Siena supports the Catholic and Dominican mission and identity, which are inspired by the life and teachings of St. Catherine of Siena.
SHU offers a competitive wage and benefits package program. For additional information about SHU visit: https://www.sienaheights.edu/who-we-are/resources/employment/
Position Overview:
The dynamic and experienced Director of Development plays a pivotal role in advancing the university's fundraising efforts, cultivating relationships with donors, and securing financial support to enhance the university's mission and initiatives.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Works with the Vice President of Advancement to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals in alignment with the university's mission and strategic priorities.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective major donors, alumni, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Identify, research, and prioritize prospects capable of making significant philanthropic contributions to the university.
- Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, staff, and volunteers to identify fundraising opportunities, engage prospective donors, and develop compelling proposals and fundraising materials.
- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Maintaining a portfolio of 100+ prospective donors with an emphasis on major gifts at a defined amount.
- Conducts donor visits and annual solicitations in alignment with defined targets.
- Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, donor recognition programs, and stewardship activities to engage donors and foster a culture of philanthropy.
- Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gift transactions in the university's donor database, ensuring compliance with donor confidentiality and privacy policies.
- Stay informed of best practices, trends, and developments in fundraising, philanthropy, and higher education advancement to enhance the effectiveness of fundraising efforts.
- Travel Commensurate with standard expectations for fundraising activity and contact to reach donors and prospects locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Experience, Abilities and Skills Required:
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field of study required; master’s degree preferred.
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related field, with a proven track record of success in major gifts fundraising.
- Experience in donor database management and fundraising software.
- Experience in higher education fundraising preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in preparing persuasive fundraising proposals and materials.
- Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.
- Integrity, impeccable ethics, initiative, enthusiasm, and the ability to establish trust and credibility.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite and donor database/fundraising software programs.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the importance of University Development activities to maintaining lasting and positive donor relations.
- Passion for the institution’s mission, traditions, and long-term success. Consistently demonstrate the mission, vision, and values of the University
- Demonstrate commitment and ability to:
- Provide quality customer service
- Plan, organize, and remain accountable for actions
- Problem-solving utilizing critical thinking skills
- Function in a confidential manner
- Collaborate with other staff
- Reliable and dependable attendance
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
1. Involves working in an office environment infrequently exposed to extreme temperatures, noise, fumes, dust, etc.
2. Sitting/standing at desk and on computer regularly.
3. Ability to travel to locations throughout the campus regularly, regionally, and beyond on occasion.
4. Ability to operate standard office equipment/technology.
5. Ability to speak, hear and see.
DISCLAIMER: There may be additional duties required from time to time to ensure the delivery of services from the HR Department, or the University in general. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of this position.
EOE
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced development professional to make a significant impact on our University's success. We offer competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Experience:
- donor development: 3 years (Required)
- database management: 1 year (Required)
- higher education fundraising: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Adrian, MI 49221: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person