Director of Development

Salary and Terms: Probationary, full time position. Salary placement is based on evaluation of experience. MSUAASF Range D.

Appointment Date: January 3, 2022 or date to be negotiated.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin December 1, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Position Description: The Director of Development will work with SMSU Foundation and Alumni Association staff to identify, cultivate, solicit, and provide stewardship for donors with capacity to make major financial donations to Southwest Minnesota State University.  Manage a portfolio of 125 donors and/or potential donors to engage them with SMSU.  Create and present proposals and/or presentations, develop and execute fundraising strategies, and meet any annual and special campaign fundraising goals.  Create strong partnerships with all areas of campus and engage campus leaders in fundraising efforts when appropriate.  Establish a strong planned giving program to expand support through estates and special gifts to endowments and directly to programs at SMSU.  Actively engage the SMSU Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Board of Directors to provide feedback on fundraising efforts and referrals for major gifts to SMSU. Engage alumni and donors as volunteers in various capacities when appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:                            

• A Master’s and three years or Bachelor’s degree and four years of successful and progressive experience in a comparable role or a combination of related experience in donor relations, sales/marketing, mission advancement, communications, and fundraising.  
• Demonstrated commitment or proven strategies for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment; demonstrated ability or proven strategies to teach and work with persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with customer or donor database software and have played a direct role in meeting annual goals individually or as part of a team.
• Experience preparing, communicating, and tracking progress to goals to measure outcomes and metrics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to use common productivity software programs such as Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge alumni and donor database software.
• Experience managing a portfolio of donor prospects and creating/presenting donations proposals of $5,000 or more.
• Direct experience at Southwest Minnesota State University as a graduate or former student.

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system.  SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate and graduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships.  Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions.  The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings.  Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities.

Application Data:  Letter of application addressing position qualifications, resume, and transcripts must be attached to your application.   Complete the online application process at https://smsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/1622 Additional information on Southwest Minnesota State University can be found at www.SMSU.edu

Southwest Minnesota State University, a member of the Minnesota State system, is an equal opportunity educator and employer.  SMSU is committed to affirmative recruitment and encourages applications from women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability for the application and/or interview should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208.  For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service 1-800-627-3529.  This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.