Director of Development, Major Gifts

Title of Position: Director of Development, Major Gifts

Department:       Development  

Reports to:          Assoc. Vice President for Communications

                             and Development

FLSA:                   Exempt

Holy Cross College’s Mission: The Mission of Holy Cross College is to educate and form global citizens with the competence to see and the courage to act. Holy Cross is a Catholic College that advances the apostolic mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross. Our practical, experiential, liberal arts curriculum applies timeless truths to contemporary life and leads people to wholeness in the image of Christ.

Our hiring practices reflect this missional commitment to being a Christ-centered institution.

Typical Schedule: Full time. Minimum 40 hours per week. Must be willing to travel, work nights and weekends when necessary. 

Position Summary:
The Director of Development, Major Gifts, facilitates strong relationships between prospective donors and the College for the purpose of securing major gift commitments ($25,000 or more). Emphasis on generating scholarships support annual outright and endowed.  This position will establish and implement an annual activity plan to foster a robust major gift portfolio.

Essential Job Duties:

• All administrators, faculty, and staff are called to assist students in their formation to be Christ-like students and thus must embrace and advance the Holy Cross mission of the College in all professional activities.

• Articulate the vision, mission, goals and core values of the College to its constituents
• Participate in a comprehensive major gift program for the College by facilitating active relationships for assigned prospects with college partners while endeavoring to match College funding needs with prospects' interests. Involve College leadership, faculty and staff in strategy development and prospect activities to foster multiple points of contact for each prospect
• Build a portfolio of 75 to 100 qualified prospects through the development cycle, from identification and qualification, cultivation to solicitation, and stewardship.
• Design general strategies for each assigned prospect based on research data and information gathered through the qualification visits. Assess and document each prospect's major gift (current) rating and future ultimate gift rating.
• Plan and document detailed activities (in-progress tasks) including personal visits, phone calls, and written communications that deepens the relationship of a prospect with the College and moves them, in a timely manner, from one stage in the development cycle to the next, maximizes giving potential and provides consistent contact with all assigned prospects. Each prospect should have a minimum number of documented in-progress tasks.
• Portfolio plans should facilitate a minimum 100-120 meaningful in-person visits per year (average = 10/month). 
• It is expected in the first 12 months that the MGO has no fewer than 20 major gifts for scholarships and/or capital purposes.
• Within the first 12 months the Director of Development, Major Gifts, will visit at least 25 individuals for no less than $600,000 in total asks.
• Document completed activities (completed tasks) in a timely manner in the Raiser’s Edge database.
• Responsible for understanding and communicating to donors the various ways to give (including current, deferred, endowed, and in-kind gifts) and for documenting commitments according to established policies and procedures.
• Follows budget guidelines regarding expenditures incurred in major gift fundraising for effective and efficient use of college resources.
• Review status of individual prospect plans and productivity reports with supervisor each month.
• Other initiatives and/or projects may be assigned at the discretion of the Chief Development Officer

Minimum Education, Skills, and Ability:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in gift solicitation including high end annual gifts and multiyear major gifts
• The successful candidate will have proven major gift experience who believes in the Catholic higher education mission of Holy Cross College. Equivalent combination of related experience will be considered Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel Demonstrated experience in a position that required leadership skills Demonstrated experience in a position that required exceptional written, speaking and listening skills Demonstrated attention to detail Positive, enthusiastic, professional image in representing Holy Cross College, both internally and externally. Must be results- and people-oriented and possesses a strong work ethic with superb attention to detail.
• The candidate will also have proven communication skills with an ability to write and speak persuasively about the role of educational philanthropy.
   

Preferred:

• Experience in a higher education environment
• Proven and demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts of $25,000 and above
• Experience with fundraising software
• Knowledge of planned giving techniques and vehicles.

Additional Attributes:

• Discretion with confidential information
• Team-player with strong dedication to the purpose and mission of the College
• Personal value system that encompasses a solid work ethic, conscientiousness, and ability to forge productive relationships
• Quick-leaner, self-starter, and self-motivated Astuteness and ability to adjust and work within changing environments

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and physical demands required of personnel so classified. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Employment at Holy Cross College is ‘at will’ meaning that either the College or the employee can end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Holy Cross College is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications and are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status.  Interested candidates should submit resume, cover letter and three references (names and contact information) via email to Human Resources hr@hcc-nd.edu.   Position open until filled.