Director of Development

Job Overview

Loras College is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an educational and work environment that is inclusive, rich in diversity, and supportive of all students, faculty and staff. Individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development is a senior level strategist, fundraiser and manager responsible for oversight of the development program, including the annual fund, donor relations, and prospect research. This position also manages a portfolio of prospects. The position involves working closely with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and officers of the College to integrate emerging college priorities into all aspects of donor contact, with the goal of maximizing financial support for the College. This includes collaboration on any and all campaign efforts of the College.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

Supervise and provide leadership to the Development Office, including budget management.
Provide vision and counsel in the development and implementation of a strategic fundraising program.
Oversee the Loras Fund (annual fund), Development Officer activity, and donor research to include prospect identification and qualification.
Identify, manage and grow corporate partnerships including annual gifts and sponsorships.
Responsible for soliciting major, annual and planned gifts from alumni and friends of the College with an emphasis on in-person visits. Extensive travel is required.
Manage a portfolio of prospective major, annual and planned gift donors. Will be expected to identify, qualify, solicit and steward benefactors of the College.
Generate major gift proposals at the $25,000+ level and close gifts, prioritizing personal, in-person visits.
Assist in coordination of specific programs to include donor recognition events, distinguished lecture series, and others as they arise.
Expected to meet and exceed fundraising goals as set forth by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement on an annual basis.
Work effectively with Alumni Relations on mutually beneficial programs.
Support the mission and vision of the College and respect the College's Catholic tradition.
Perform related duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
Business Acumen - Ability to grasp and understand business concepts and issues.
Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
Competitiveness - Willingness to strive to get ahead or to finish projects.
Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.
Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
Enthusiastic - Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task.
Financial Aptitude - Ability to understand and explain economic and accounting information, prepare and manage budgets, and make sound long-term investment decisions.
Friendly - Ability to exhibit a cheerful demeanor toward others.
Motivation - Ability to inspire oneself and others to reach a goal and/or perform to the best of their ability.
Persuasive - Ability to influence others to change position or to adopt a specific point of view.
Sales Ability - Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to gain acceptance of a product, service, or idea.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: Bachelor's Degree (four year college or university).

Experience: Three to five years of experience in fundraising and/or public relations, preferable in a college or university setting. Prior experience at Loras College as student or volunteer is desirable. Thorough knowledge of the principle and practices involved in gift solicitation and development strategy in higher education.

Other Requirements: Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present effective oral presentations and written reports. Ability to establish and maintain excellent social and working relationships with colleagues, alumni, parents, and friends of the College. Ability and willingness to travel and work evening and weekends as necessary. Ability to establish effective working relationships with volunteers and to identify programs and develop creative, timely and efficient solutions. Skilled in the use of a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE. Applicants must go to: https://loras.applicantpool.com/jobs/ to apply. Please upload: your letter of application and resume. The finalist will need to pass a background check before receiving a written employment offer.