Director of Institutional Advancement

William James College is in an exciting phase of growth. Occupying a leadership position in applied psychology, William James College is educating compassionate organizational leaders and culturally capable professionals to meet the behavioral health needs in our communities. Reporting to President, the Director of Institutional Advancement will be responsible for developing, managing, implementing, and overseeing strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 200-250 prospective major donors. The Director will create individualized solicitation plans leading to major outright and deferred gifts, integrating unrestricted and restricted annual fund, endowment and capital gifts in support of the college’s fundraising priorities. Responsibilities also include the identification of new prospects.  This is a unique opportunity for a talented professional to craft a successful approach to donor relations for the College. The Director of Institutional Advancement will serve as a fundraiser for institution-wide targeted initiatives and will work closely with the senior leaders, trustees, faculty, and administrators in developing and implementing key fundraising strategies and activities.  Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Research identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit major gifts from a managed portfolio of 200-250 prospects and donors with capacity to make gifts of $5,000 and more;
• Manage the staff of the Development Department, including three full-time employees;
• Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions;
• Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies designed to realize the current and lifetime giving potential of individual prospects;
• Ensure consistent and appropriate contact, facilitate or make solicitations, and ensure effective stewardship;
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of the college and make a persuasive verbal and written case for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospects to specific college needs;
• Articulate the mission of the college in a succinct and compelling manner;
• Develop materials used by the president, trustees, and other institutional leaders for meetings, visits or individual contacts;
• Coordinate specialized appeals targeted at constituent groups associated with a particular discipline, program or initiative;
• Collaborate with senior administrators faculty and volunteers to develop ideas that translate the college's fundraising priorities into gift proposals and to advance major gift prospects;
• Participate in the planning and execution of special events;
• Visit 15 donors/prospects monthly;
• Submit timely contact reports for each visit with detailed briefing papers;
• Attend advisory committees;
• Maintain a planned giving function (>5% of focus);
• Gather, record and properly store information about prospects and donors utilizing the college’s donor software program;
• Solicit gifts working with college leaders, trustees, faculty, staff and volunteers throughout the college.
• Plan and implement focused campaigns for specific gift opportunities;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Master’s preferred, and six-plus years of successful experience in Development and Fundraising, which include major gift experience, preferably in higher education, with an understanding of major gift planning and prospect development is required. Strong interpersonal skills are required, both written and oral, as well as a high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings. Ability to travel and work various hours, including nights and/or weekends. Discretion and an ability to interact with high-level donors and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality;
• Proven track record of successful solicitation and securing personal major gifts;
• Ability to be an effective advocate for the college;
• Ability to actively listen;
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment;
• Ability to be proactive;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions:  Please apply by submitting your resume, cover letter, and list of three professional work references to Michelle Costa, Human Resources Recruiting Manger at HR@williamjames.edu. 

Review of candidates will begin on a rolling basis; the position will be open until filled.   

William James College is an institution and a community committed to the principles of excellence, fairness and respect for all people. Our Inclusive Excellence model infuses diversity, equity and inclusion efforts into the core of institutional functioning to realize the educational benefits of diversity both locally and globally. We are committed to strengthening communities, including our workplace, by fostering the development of the intercultural competencies necessary for change agents in an increasingly complex, pluralistic society.