Director of Development, School of Law

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Director of Development, School of Law position within the University Advancement Department.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Development, School of Law, reports to the Associate Vice President of Development, in close cooperation with the Dean of the School, and is a member of the University Advancement (UA) division. The Director of Development advances relationships between prospective donors and the School of Law for the purpose of securing major gift commitments ($50,000 or more). The Director of Development directs and coordinates all fundraising efforts for the School and works with the Dean to develop a comprehensive strategy for School of Law fundraising. S/he works to identify and cultivate sources of funding by planning and implementing short, medium and long-term fundraising strategies and programs to meet the current and future needs of the School of Law. The Director of Development will be responsible for helping achieve the School of Law’s fundraising goal in conjunction with the University’s ten-year capital campaign. This position is physically located on the Minneapolis campus but regular travel to St. Paul is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Portfolio Management
  • Work with the Dean of the School of Law and the Associate Vice President of Development on the strategic development and execution of the School’s and university’s advancement efforts in the context of a comprehensive capital campaign
  • Manage a portfolio of qualified major and principal gift prospects associated with Law and identify, qualify, and cultivate new prospects at the major and principal gift level
  • Solicit and close major gifts ($50,000+) that meet or exceed individual and department gift goals set annually
  • Work closely with the Dean to strategically engage in relationship management and cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects. Coordinate and facilitate the Dean’s fundraising efforts to ensure good communication, partnership and follow-through with the prospective donor.
• Planning and Management
  • With the Associate Vice President of Development and Dean, lead the development of annual and three-year planning, including articulating goals and objectives, setting fundraising targets, and integrating annual fund, alumni relations, and events strategies
  • Develop an annual work plan, including specific fundraising, prospect development and programmatic goals with an emphasis on achieving agreed-upon individual metrics and unit goals.
  • Work closely with Prospect Management and Research to identify and prioritize prospects in order to set achievable annual and multi-year goals based on prospect pool
  • Develop a deep working knowledge of School of Law philanthropic priorities and contribute to the development and articulation of a compelling case for support that positions the School for fundraising success
• Development Partnerships
  • Work closely with the Dean, University leadership and other development staff to identify priorities and opportunities for new major gifts within the School of Law. Regularly communicate School priorities to other development staff to enable them to effectively and convincingly present the school's case to prospects and donors. Develop solicitation plans that foster multiple points of coordinated, strategic contact for each prospect as appropriate
  • Serve as a resource and partner to the School’s advisory board.
  • Serve as chief point of contact for the School for UA staff
  • Collaborate with the Associate Vice President of Development, Director of Corporate Relations, Director of Foundation Relations, Director of Planned Giving and Associate Vice President of Principal Gifts to develop a plan for seeking corporate and foundation support, planned gifts, and principal gifts for Law.
  • Collaborate with individual gift officers and other UA leaders who have prospects with interest in Law. Where appropriate, engage the School’s leadership and staff, senior administration and other members of St. Thomas as partners in deepening and advancing the relationship with the university and the School.
  • Work with Prospect Management & Research to identify new prospects for future gift opportunities within the School.
  • Work collabora1tively with key UA partners including Alumni, Career, and Corporate Partnerships, Annual Giving, Events, and Donor Relations in planning and executing strategic development activities, donor recognition programs, and events for the School.
• Reporting and Data Management
  • Complete and file timely contact reports by utilizing the donor database (Salesforce) and maintain accurate and relevant records within the database
  • Ensure that donor contacts by the Dean and other university leaders are accurately documented in the database in order to achieve coordinated communication with all stakeholders in the relationship-building process
  • When partnering on cultivation or solicitation, prepare strategy documents that articulate the engagement plan and purpose of interaction

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Minimum of five years of development experience, including major gift solicitation experience
• Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or eligible for legally required exemption such as a medical or religious reason.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education and familiarity with the characteristics of a comprehensive university
• Demonstrated ability to solicit and close major ($50,000+) gifts

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/" href="https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.