Director of Development, SIS (14444)

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Summary/Objective

The Director of Development for the School of International Service is a major gifts fundraiser for the School of International Service at American University. The Director of Development is responsible for achieving aggressive fundraising, solicitation, cash, pledge, and visit goals, which are set annually. This position manages a prospect portfolio of at least 100+ active rated prospects for the School of International Service, with giving capacities from $25,000 to $100,000+. The Director of Development is expected to personally manage these relationships to cultivate, solicit, close gifts, and steward alumni donors, as well as identify and qualify new prospects for the School of International Service. Domestic travel is required in this position to personally engage alumni and secure funds for SIS. The Director of Development serves as a key member of the Dean’s external relations team and as an ambassador of the school; works closely with the SIS Assistant Dean of Advancement, SIS and the University Advancement Office, on moves management, stewardship and donor issues to raise funds for the School of International Service; and shares in the responsibilities of managing the SIS Dean’s Board of Advisors as well as managing donor-focused events, including the annual SIS Global Leadership Dinner.

Essential Functions

1. Major Gift Fundraising/Stewardship:This position is responsible for identifying, qualifying, visiting, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding donors to raise major gifts for the School of International Service. Personally manages key relationships with 100+ rated donors ($25,000 to $100,000+) in an active portfolio. Responsible for meeting aggressive fundraising, visit, solicitation, cash, and pledge goals, which are established annually, with minimal supervision. Works closely with SIS Assistant Dean of Advancement, SIS Dean, SIS faculty and staff, and collaboratively with University Advancement colleagues to achieve campaign goals and has a key role in managing the SIS Dean’s Board of Advisors and strategic events and projects to advance SIS development goals and priorities
2. Prospect Management:Work in concert with University Advancement colleagues, including particularly close collaboration with the Planned Giving Team, and Office of Prospect Research & Management to conduct entrepreneurial prospect identification and qualification.
3. Reporting & Recording:Conducts timely updating of reports, recording strategic moves and other activities in CRM database, updating portfolio status.
4. Other duties as assignedin support of the broader objectives of the Associate Vice President for Development and the Vice President for Advancement.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time.
• Team Leader B.
• Exempt.
• Travel Required: This position may require travel outside the Washington metropolitan area 20-40% of the time, as well as seasonal evening and weekend work for scheduled SIS and University events and programs.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Proven track record of closing individual and/or corporate and foundation gifts of $25,000+.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. (A writing sample may be required.)
• General supervisory experience, with record of positive mentorship and delegation of responsibilities.
• Maturity, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases and strong command of MS Office Suite of products.
• Strong preference for experience in a higher education environment.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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Contact Us

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