Description

JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT  

The Executive Director, Development is a key leadership role and member of the President’s Cabinet, responsible for leading a comprehensive university fundraising program.  This individual will work closely with the university’s leadership and SSU Foundation, faculty, community, and alumni to foster a culture of philanthropy and secure significant gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other key stakeholders. The role involves strategic planning, major gift solicitation, and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, alumni, and other supporters of the university.  The Executive Director, Development will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the university’s mission and enhancing its philanthropic engagement.  This position will work closely with the university deans, advisory boards, the Shawnee State University Foundation, and the SSU Alumni Association, including each organization’s executive staff and volunteer boards.

Requirements

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Planning & Fundraising Leadership
Major Gift Fundraising & Campaign Management
Alumni and Donor Relations
Team Management, Data & Reporting

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning & Fundraising Leadership:

• Create and execute plans to cultivate and meet goals for special projects, college capital and annual funds, athletics, and scholarships, ensuring alignment of fundraising initiatives with the university’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
• Develop and implement the university's fundraising strategies and goals, at the direction of and in collaboration with the President and the President’s Cabinet.
  Build relationships with academic departments, faculty, and university leadership to identify funding priorities.
• Work closely with the Office of Communications to ensure the development team’s messaging aligns with the university’s overall marketing and branding efforts.

Major Gift Fundraising & Campaign Management:

• Lead efforts to secure major gifts for capital campaigns, endowments, and other priority initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects capable of making significant contributions to the university.
• Coordinate and lead the cultivation and solicitation of gifts in collaboration with university leadership, deans, faculty, and trustees.
  Oversee university-wide fundraising campaigns, including goal-setting, planning, implementation, and reporting.

Alumni and Donor Relations:

• Cultivate strong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the university.
• Oversee donor stewardship programs to ensure long-term engagement and continued giving.

Team Management, Data & Reporting:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities. Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture.
• Provide leadership and direction for the development team, setting performance metrics and monitoring progress. Maintain a high level of staff performance and retention by cultivating a positive work environment.
• Ensure that fundraising data is accurately tracked, analyzed, and reported to university leadership, donors, and other stakeholders.  Prepare reports and presentations for the Board, President, and other key stakeholders.
   
  Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  Proven success in developing and leading strategic fundraising initiatives, particularly in the areas of major gifts, capital campaigns, and annual giving.
  Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor relations, and campaign management.
  Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
  Deep knowledge of development software, donor management systems, and fundraising analytics tools.
  Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
At least 7-10 years of experience in higher education fundraising or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to secure major gifts.

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree preferred
More than 10 years’ experience preferred
CFRE preferred
Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
Experience with planned giving and working with high-net-worth individuals.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP(S)
Reports to the University President

WORKING CONDITIONS
Significant travel including overnight travel required.
Normal office conditions.