Director of Program Strategies, University Advancement Programs

Position Summary
Reporting to the Assistant/Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) or school based chief development officer (CDO), the Director of Program Strategies will support the development, documentation, implementation, and tracking of deliberate prospect cultivation plans for six and seven figure donors. In addition, the director will serve as the school’s subject matter expert (SME) and point person to collaborate with generalist colleagues.

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Priority and Proposal Development

• Work alongside AVC/CDO and Dean to identify and seek funding for top school priorities; working deliberately, rather than passively, to remain apprised of opportunities within the school through partnership with school-based, non-UA staff.
• Assist CDO with proposal development.

Inform Prospect Strategy and Facilitate Implementation

• Work at the direction of the AVC/CDO to increase unit capacity for relationship building and fundraising by to develop and implement strategic next steps to further relationships with top tier prospects.
• Support the AVC/CDO in setting and implementing strategy for their top prospects, especially facilitating next steps that will require dean/ academic leadership involvement.

Support Gift Opportunity/Proposal Development. Subject Matter Expertise and Collaboration

• Proactively and reactively serve as the school’s subject matter expert (SME) and become the “point person” to collaborate with generalist fundraisers/major gift officers on funding opportunities at the $1m+ level, but also six-figure opportunities.
• Work strategically with the CDO, facilitate collaboration between generalist fundraisers and the dean in developing and implementing donor strategy.
• Collaborate closely with Business Intelligence, Prospect Management Consultants, and Office of Principal Gifts to ensure right-sized asks.

Accountability and Tracking

• Ensure that each top tier prospect has a dynamic and documented strategy to move towards solicitation on the appropriate timeline. In addition to driving the implementation of strategy, work with school-based and generalist fundraisers to proactively foster an increased flow of $1m+ proposals.
• Create a culture of accountability within the team and ensure individual follow up with steps outlined for prospects in the moves management process.
• Proactively update AVC/CDO and UAP leadership on progress of each opportunity developed and presented for all top prospects.
• Create and manage tracking dashboards for these prospects regularly

Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with proposal writing and development.
• Frontline fundraising, project management, and working within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Experience working in a university or non-profit setting.
• Familiarity with and appreciation for the mission of University Advancement programs and the activities of the department. A desire to play a meaningful role in the university’s community and to share in the community’s commitment to education and research.
• Demonstrated strength in organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to listen carefully, learn quickly and work effectively in a complex organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• A desire and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across department.
• Honesty, integrity, and enthusiasm; a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow through.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with standard computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel) and office equipment.
• Comfortable and nimble in learning new software systems, processes, and protocols.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to relay detailed instructions and provide or solicit feedback.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of five years of related experience.