Director of Development, College of Education

The Director of Development for the College of Education is responsible for discovering, cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts from $50,000+ and developing a strong portfolio of supporters. The development professional is expected to gain and present an expansive knowledge of the school’s offerings. A minimum of 10-12 prospect visits each month, both locally and nationally are expected.

The Director of Development represents the College of Education and the University of Maryland to internal and external audiences while working with members of the university community to advance our mission. The Director of Development develops a prospect pipeline by “cold calling” alumni, friends, corporations and foundations who may not have been contacted previously. This requires extensive time out of the office meeting with prospective donors and travel is expected for approximately 60% of the time with the majority being local travel.

The chosen candidate must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in the five-figure range. Candidates must have the ability to work collaboratively and strategically with other fundraising professionals and campus leaders.

Occasional work on evenings and weekends is required.   Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of successful major gift fundraising experience. A proven track record of qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding prospects and donors in the five to six figure range. A track record of working collaboratively on philanthropic gifts within a complex institution, preferably in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Willingness and ability to make “cold calls” and to cultivate relationships with and solicit alumni, corporations, foundations and non-alumni friends of the University for gifts. 
• Must have excellent writing skills. 
• Ability to manage many projects simultaneously and a demonstrated record of completing assignments. 
• Must have a strong customer service ethic and experience overseeing successful events and activities. 
• Must exhibit strong interpersonal skills that will enable him or her to work well with diverse groups of constituents and colleagues. 
• Must demonstrate the aptitude to represent the University in a highly professional and effective manner.