Director of Development, Public Policy

Reporting to the Assistant Dean, External Relations, the Director of Development holds principal responsibility for fundraising in the School of Public Policy (SPP). The Director of Development supports the Dean of SPP, developing and executing plans for fundraising to deliver the resources needed for the Dean’s priorities. The Director of Development works primarily in the area of major gift fundraising for SPP, planning, implementing and overseeing the major gift fundraising program ($50,000 and higher) with emphasis on six and seven-figure gifts.   The Director of Development serves as a key member of the External Relations team and as an ambassador for SPP. Working collaboratively with members of the School and University community, and in coordination with the Dean and Assistant Dean, External Relations, the Director of Development leads donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts. The Director of Development additionally assists with the development of external relations materials, programming and special events in support of SPP objectives.   As a specific component of the Director of Development’s responsibilities, the Director of Development works with the Dean of SPP to engage the Dean in donor/constituent specific development strategies, secures dates and plan for the Dean’s development activities, including local and regional constituency events, travels for cultivation and solicitation, and manages correspondence and regular contact with donors.   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 will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends.  Regular local travel, and out of area travel approximately 25-40% of time.     Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree required.
 
Experience:  
Candidates must have at least 6 years of successful major gift fundraising experience.  They must also have a track record of working collaboratively on philanthropic gifts within a complex institution, preferably in higher education.  Further, a proven track record of initiating and building relationships with prospects, and a successful record of soliciting, securing and closing major gifts are required.
 
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 have 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 40% of the time and work occasional evenings and weekends.