Director of Development, Watson College, Binghamton University

Budget Title: Director of Fund Raising (SL-5)

Salary: Commensurate with experience

The Director of Development for the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science is a highly motivated fundraising professional responsible for soliciting financial support from alumni and friends in support of Watson College and Binghamton University. This position works closely with the Dean of the College, along with other administrators and faculty, developing initiatives, cultivating relationships and soliciting gifts with a particular emphasis on managing a portfolio of individuals who have the capacity and likelihood to make gifts of $100,000 and above.  In addition, the Director of Development will also partner with University and campaign staff to leverage alumni engagement, stewardship, and Binghamton Fund for Watson activities to develop a larger, stronger foundation of committed alumni and friends of the College.

Major Gifts:

• In consultation with the Dean and the VP for Advancement, the Director will create an annual personalized work plan for accomplishing specific goals and objectives in coordination with overall Advancement priorities.
• The Director will provide strategic direction and execute cultivation/solicitation/stewardship strategies for approximately 80 assigned major gift donors and prospects, developing annual plans and long-term strategies for all assigned prospects in their portfolio. 
• The Director will conduct approximately 75-90 strategically planned personal visits with major gift donors, prospective major donors, and/or their advisors that will advance the relationship with each donor.  It is assumed that qualification will be a natural part of travel planning and execution, and that a solicitation plan will be developed each year that will include the solicitation of 8-15 major gifts annually while growing a pipeline to support 15-24 annual major gift solicitations within three years.
• The Director will prepare written briefings for the dean and faculty/staff visits with prospects, proposals, case statements, concept/informational materials, endowment agreements, gift illustrations and other materials needed to secure major gifts in collaboration with colleagues in the Office of Development, including Donor Relations, Campaign office, Planned Giving and Communications & Marketing
• The Director will participate in regular College and Advancement prospect management meetings and promptly record all visit and contact information for any visit generated by the Director or Watson faculty and staff.

Alumni and Volunteer Engagement:

• The Director will serve as a liaison between Watson College and the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement on the development of alumni activities and programs at a University level that are of interest and relevance to Watson alumni and parents, in coordination with the Director of Watson Career and Alumni Connections. Monitor alumni engagement metrics reported to the BUAA alumni board, recommend strategies and tactics as appropriate to increase engagement.
• Coordinate with the Director of Watson Career and Alumni Connections on alumni engagement activities, ensuring strong collaboration, and partnership in identification, cultivation and engagement of potential volunteers and supporters. The Director will serve as a liaison to Watson Career and Alumni Connections staff to identify high impact volunteer opportunities for alumni and supporters.
• Lead and support the NY Metro Advisory Board to develop annual goals and metrics for their activities to support the College's mission, goals and objectives, and ensure the committee reaches its full potential as a volunteer organization. This includes: identification, recruitment, training and support of volunteers; analysis and evaluation of various efforts; development of agenda, materials and minutes for meetings, personally contacting members and asking for support.
• The Director will provide staff support for the regular meetings of the Advisory Boards as it relates to philanthropy, with special emphasis on those activities or subcommittees that focus primarily on philanthropy or alumni engagement.
• Coordinate alumni and donor visits to the College as requested.

Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship:

• In consultation with the Director of the Binghamton Fund and/or AVP for Advancement, the Director will create an annual personalized work plan for accomplishing specific leadership annual fund ($1k+) goals.
• In consultation with the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, Communications & Marketing, and/or AVP for Advancement, the Director will create an annual work plan for stewardship and recognition of supporters that supplements the overall University program.  This would include a plan for personal thank you calls, acknowledgements, and donor impact reporting to ensure donors see the impact of their giving to the College.
• The Director will provide strategic direction and execute cultivation/solicitation/stewardship strategies for a select group of leadership society annual fund donors and prospects, including but not limited to members of the Advisory Boards.
• The Director will serve as a liaison between College and the Director of the Binghamton Fund and/or AVP for Advancement on the development of all Binghamton Fund for Watson print, electronic, and telephone giving campaigns. Partner with Binghamton Fund staff to ensure the College, activities and priorities are well represented in solicitation of students, parents, and alumni to help increase support.  Monitor monthly gift reports in giving and engage and thank new supporters as appropriate.
• Ensure gift agreements are executed according to criteria, working closely with appropriate faculty and staff.

Other:

• The Director will provide collaborative support for Advancement and College programs and initiatives as assigned.
• The Director will attend all Advancement staff meetings, select University programs and events, and select College meetings and events, as appropriate.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum three years of major gifts fundraising or equivalent experience with a solid understanding of the principles and practices that underlie major gift fundraising, preferably at a public or private higher education institution.  Campaign and planned giving experience is highly desirable. 
• Proven track record of achieving fundraising goals and initiatives. Strong fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to manage relationships with donors and successfully solicit six-figure gifts.
• Self-motivated, results oriented, and able to set priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously, proven ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Ability to actively listen to donors and faculty/staff to identify areas of common interest and to develop a compelling case for the College.
• Experience with or demonstrated commitment to metrics-based management.
• Demonstrated collegial and collaborative approach to working in a team environment. Exceptional ability to organize and motivate faculty and staff, as well as external advocates and volunteers, in securing major gift support.
• Excellent organization, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to work collegially and effectively with Advancement colleagues, colleagues across campus, and a range of external constituencies.
• Capacity to deal effectively with a wide range of relationships and situations.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to project plan and execute plans effectively. 
• Energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the field of Engineering and Computer Science.
• A demonstrated skill in successfully coaching, training, and leading volunteers.
• Patience, integrity, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must have a valid/clean driver's license to operate a motor vehicle and be willing to travel and work some evenings and weekends.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.