Director of Development, College of Arts & Sciences

Posted on 01/12/2022

Willamette University

Salem, OR

Position Summary:

Join a dynamic fundraising team at Oregon’s premiere private university, and be a valued contributor to Willamette University’s philanthropic relationship-building efforts.

As the Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences at Willamette University, you will be part of a successful three-member team of fundraisers focused on the growth and sustainability of the undergraduate program through philanthropic partnerships. If you enjoy being part of an established team with a proven track record of success, apply today.

The Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) is a highly motivated and experienced fundraising professional, responsible for soliciting financial support from alumni and friends, primarily in support of the College of Arts & Sciences at Willamette University. This position works closely with the dean of the college, as well as other CAS administrators and faculty, two additional development directors for the College , and Advancement staff, developing initiatives, cultivating relationships, and soliciting gifts from individuals who have the capacity and likelihood to make gifts of $100,000 and above. The Director is responsible for the creation and support of a stream of initiatives tailored to develop each prospect’s awareness, understanding, caring, involvement, and commitment to Willamette’s priorities. The position requires regular regional and national travel and attendance at evening and weekend programs and events.

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.

Job Description: 

  • Provide strategic direction and complete and execute cultivation/solicitation/stewardship strategies for a portfolio of approximately 100-150 donors and prospects, working to engage each in productive long-term relationship with the University.
  • In consultation with the Executive Director of Development, create an annual personalized work plan for accomplishing specific goals in coordination with overall University and Advancement priorities.
  • Conduct a minimum of 100-120 strategically-planned personal visits with donors, prospective donors, and/or their advisors to solicit major, planned, and annual fund gifts through local, regional, and national travel.
  • Conduct an agreed-upon amount of qualification  visits on an annual basis, including those rated major gift prospects identified by research and/or leadership prospects identified by the Willamette Annual Fund.
  • Solicit 15-25 major and/or deferred (bequests, life income gifts, etc.) gifts annually of $100,000 or more, working in collaboration with colleagues in Donor Relations and Gift Planning to prepare written and verbal proposals, case statements, concept/informational materials, endowment agreements, gift illustrations and other appropriate materials.
  • Collaborate with Willamette Annual Fund staff on the yearly solicitation of each prospect for an unrestricted gift to the University.
  • Work closely with Alumni and Parent Engagement staff in support of university programs and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with staff in Advancement Strategy and Operations on timely and comprehensive updates to donor information, contact reports, proposal status, and annual goal setting.
  • Provide leadership and management of volunteer groups and support for special events, including reunion activities, regional programs, and stewardship events.
  • Attend all Advancement staff meetings and select CAS events and programs
  • Complete all administrative responsibilities in a timely manner, including travel planning, monthly reconciliation of travel and other cultivation expenses, and annual planning and goal setting activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Minimum five years of general fundraising or sales and marketing experience (or combination thereof) with a solid understanding of fundraising principles and methodologies.
  • Proven track record of achieving fundraising goals and initiatives.
  • Ability to actively listen to donors and faculty to identify areas of common interest and to develop a compelling case for the college.
  • Exceptional ability to organize and motivate faculty and staff, as well as external advocates and volunteers, in securing major gift/grant support.
  • Demonstrated collegial and collaborative approach to working in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to work autonomously and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
  • Excellent organization, communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Proven ability to work collegially and effectively with Advancement colleagues, colleagues across campus, and a range of external constituencies.
  • Capacity to deal effectively with a wide range of relationships and situations.
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to reside in Oregon on or before the first day of employment, or ability to perform job duties primarily in Oregon.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Patience, integrity, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Fundraising or related experience at a public or private higher education institution.
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge strongly preferred.

Salary: $98,618

Typical Work Schedule

Standard office workweek; some evenings and weekends, travel required.

You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the “My Experience” section labeled Resume:

  • Cover letter addressing the required/desired qualifications and presenting any other applicant characteristics which deserve emphasis
  • Current Resume

​Incomplete applications will not be considered.

To apply for this job please visit willamette.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com.