Job Summary:

The role of Director of University Advancement can be performed in a remote, home office environment, as well as on campus. The role will routinely require the use of standard office equipment such as a computer, printer, and phone.

The Director of University Advancement will pro-actively and strategically manage a portfolio of approximately 80-150 prospects, generate a high level of activity and prospect contact, formulate gift strategies for these individuals, and write plans directed at achieving outright gifts and commitments of $25,000 or more in support of University-approved funding needs. In addition, this role will work closely with volunteers, board members, and other academic leaders in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts. Our primary objective is to actively move prospects through the cultivation process to solicitations, producing maximum gifts and commitments along with closing major and planned gifts for the University. This position will require highly developed writing skills and will be asked to produce numerous writing samples including prior written proposals.

Essential Duties:

• Cultivate, solicit, and close major and planned gifts for Franklin Pierce University.
• Expand and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders in the philanthropic community, donors, and peers.
• Represent the University to key prospects and at key events.
• Document all regular contact with assigned donors, donor prospects, and alumni, and record these contacts in the Advancement database.
• Conduct initial research to identify prospects for major donor programs.
• Work with university personnel, including Deans of Colleges, to develop donor relationships and assist in cultivating prospects.
• Increase the level of giving of current donors and strengthen relationships on behalf of the University.
• Participate and provide staff support for Advancement activities as well as other essential University events.
• Help increase visibility and image of Franklin Pierce University.
• Research, identify and cultivate new foundations and major gift prospects.
• Information Management and Donor Stewardship.
• Maintain existing donor/partner relationships.
• Conduct donor briefings and updates.
• Establish, track and assess major gifts and foundation fundraising metrics.
• Prepare thorough, accurate, and concisely written research reports, which may include biographical and financial information, the potential for philanthropic support, areas of interest, affiliations with individuals, and research on corporations and foundations.

Skills and Qualifications:

You will possess, or be able to demonstrate:

• Highly developed interpersonal skills,
• Exceptional written and verbal skills,
• Five to seven (5-7) years of fundraising experience in major gifts,
• Minimum of five (5) years of non-profit fundraising experience,
• Significant experience in multi-year fundraising campaigns and foundation relations desirable,
• Experience using Raisers Edge (or other database management systems) for donor and solicitation records,
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience working in a higher education setting,
• An ability to keep a sense of urgency in gift discussions, maintaining a balance between patience and persistence,
• Skills of creativity, flexibility, innovation, and an ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments,
• Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents,
• Technical and digital competence, and
• Ability to travel for the University, if required.

Application Deadline:

Confidential screening of applications will continue until the position is filled.