Director of Development and Planned Giving

Des Moines University is proud to be a place where people come together to create opportunities. DMU is seeking a Director of Development and Planned Giving who is responsible for the direction and management of DMU’s development and planned giving solicitations to alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students, corporations and friends.

The Director will develop, implement and coordinate a comprehensive planned giving program. In addition, he/she will foster the growth of best practices in the supporting areas of development, major gifts, and Alumni Relations as related to cultivating and soliciting donors. The Director provides strategic direction and long range/short range planning for all these areas in the context of growing the planned giving program while supporting the greater development and campaign goals of Des Moines University.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of development experience required to include at least three years of related planned giving experience required.
• Management experience required.
• Experience in a university or major college setting or the fundraising arena is preferred.

Essential skills:

• Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, solicit and close major gifts.
• Experience in major gifts fundraising, including principle or leadership giving within a higher education institution, non-profit organization or environment of similar complexity.
• Working knowledge of wealth management, financial planning, tax and charitable gift laws and planned giving vehicles and methods.
• Ability to extract and analyze data to make effective and efficient decisions about donor strategy and process.
• Excellent communications and active listening skills, including but not limited to, able to convey and receive verbal and written information effectively and efficiently as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Proven skills necessary to develop and coordinate estate planning programs to promote deferred giving required.
• Good PC knowledge and skills; knowledge of computer-related office tools and database management. Raisers Edge knowledge preferred.
• Expertise such as PowerPoint, Excel, programming skills, etc.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions and/or conclusions to problems.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

About DMU:

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well!  Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy outstanding health/medical benefits, a generous retirement match, flexible work arrangements, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle.  Visit dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.  

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering nine graduate degree programs. Join us as we impact the future of medicine and healthcare in our new state-of-the-art campus opening in West Des Moines in 2023.

Required Documents:

Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.

Department: Development and Alumni Relations                                             

Status:  Exempt

Work Schedule:  Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Des Moines University is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information and other characteristics protected by law (“protected class”). Applications from candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.