Position Summary

The Director of Development will advance the mission of Bowling Green State University by securing private philanthropic gifts of $25,000 or more, which are aligned with the University’s strategic objectives, programs and funding initiatives.

This position requires a significant level of self-motivation, goal-orientation, attention to detail, and commitment to identifying, establishing and sustaining professional relationships with potential major donors, alumni and friends to advance the constituent’s engagement with the University as a philanthropic supporter. Responsibilities will emphasize qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that work to secure major gifts in support of the university’s fundraising priorities.

Essential Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities

     Fundraising                                                                                                           

• Actively manage and engage a portfolio of 130-150 major gift ($25,000+) prospects.  Advance relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• In consultation with supervisor, Director of Athletics and Recreation and Advancement Services staff, create an annual personalized work plan for accomplishing specific goals and objectives that align with overall Intercollegiate Athletics and Advancement priorities.
• Actively participate in University Advancement activities and meetings including, but not limited to, division meetings, strategic planning sessions, prospect management meetings, and team collaboration meetings.
• Actively participate in Intercollegiate Athletics activities and meetings including, but not limited to, all staff meetings, strategic planning sessions, prospect management meetings, and home and road BGSU athletics events which provide opportunities to advance relationships with major gift prospects.
• Coordinate prospect strategies and share call information with other fundraisers through personal communication and electronic contact reports.
• Work with Director of Athletics and Recreation, AVP for Development and colleagues in Gift Planning, Annual Giving, Prospect Management, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Alumni Engagement and Advancement Services to achieve the stated goals and objectives of University Advancement, and to facilitate positive outcomes for constituents, as needed.
• Establish professional relationships with University leadership, Head Coaches, and Athletics senior staff, and include them in engagement and solicitation strategies with key prospects and donors, as appropriate. Develop and implement a comprehensive short and long-term fundraising plan for Intercollegiate Athletics’ key priories.
• Meet annual visit goals through personal travel/interaction, virtual meetings, or substantive phone calls. Meet annual solicitation and attainment goals as developed in consultation with Senior Associate Athletics Director for Resource Development and AVP for Development.

 Constituent Engagement

• Engage board members, volunteers, alumni and friends of the University through strategic personal communication, meetings, and events.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the University, its programs, and strategic priorities.  Actively participate in campus life, including attendance at key events such as Homecoming, athletic competitions, student performances, gift announcements, and groundbreakings and dedications. Host donors and prospects at events that advance stewardship and cultivate for future philanthropic support.

 Data and Process

• Record pertinent contacts (visits, emails, phone calls) with prospects and donors in University Advancement’s database, timely and in accordance with divisional policies and procedures.
• Record and maintain accurate open proposals in University Advancement’s database, timely and in accordance with divisional policies and procedures.
• Follow all established processes and policies as established by University and Advancement leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics and Recreation and the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Revenue Generation.

Knowledge, Skills or Abilities

• Ability to promote the university’s fundraising priorities by developing professional and strategic relationships with major donors, prospects, and other friends of the university.
• Ability to engage active listening skills and problem-solving mentality to help create a win-win for the donor and the university.
• Ability to think entrepreneurially and strategically regarding the identification and qualification of new potential donors for the university.
• Ability to work collaboratively and positively with university and divisional leadership and with other Advancement colleagues and campus partners.
• Ability to independently move prospects through the donor cycle from discovery/qualification to cultivation to solicitation to stewardship.
• Ability to draft proposals, fund agreements, and other documentation in collaboration with Advancement leadership, colleagues, and in consideration of University priorities and processes.
• Ability to work within complex data management systems and to maintain timely and appropriate donor records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to operate with decorum and professionalism.
• Understanding or willingness to learn industry best practice, CASE guidelines, and BGSU-specific policies, processes, and procedures.
• Experience making asks and closing gifts at the major gift level.
• General understanding and respect for the roles and responsibilities of all areas within the Advancement organization, including but not limited to Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Advancement Services, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and more.
• Ability to review and interpret data as it relates to the role.
• Ability to work responsibly within a set budget.
• Willingness to employ all manner of appropriate communication to secure visits with prospective donors. This role will require local, regional, and national travel, with supervisor approval.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook required; experience working in donor databases or other CRM’s a plus.
  
  

Salary

Full-time, Administrative staff position available. Administrative Grade Level 358.  Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Full benefits package available.

Deadline to apply:  The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by ‘June 7, 2023’.  

Why work at BGSU?

Full-time BGSU employees enjoy an array of exceptional benefits, including:

• Quality, affordable health insurance: Various coverage options available for health, vision and dental starting the first day of the month following your date of employment.
• Generous paid time off: Vacation, holidays, sick days and more.
• Excellent work life balance resources: Our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential support to employees and their eligible family members, along with ancillary programs covering identity theft, elder care, legal services and more.
• Tuition fee waivers: For eligible employees, spouses and dependent children.
• Professional development opportunities: For skills training, supervisor and leadership programs, performance management, online courses and online tools for employee growth and development.
• Parental leave: Up to five weeks of paid parental leave for full-time employees with at least 12 months of continuous service.
• Retirement: BGSU offers several options for meeting your retirement goals with a current employer contribution of up to 14% depending on the retirement program selected. Read more about the option that best fits your needs.

Learn more about Bowling Green State University and how we aspire to be the preeminent public university

To Apply

For a complete job description & to apply for this position visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/bgsu or contact the Office of Human Resources at (419) 372-8421. BGSU. AA/EEO/Disabilities/Veterans. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421.

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degree must be conferred at the time of application.  Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with the University’s vehicle use policy.
  
  

The following Experience is required:

• 3 years of fundraising experience

The following Experience is preferred:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit
• Experience soliciting and closing gifts of $25,000 or higher

About Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University is a nationally ranked public university committed to redefining student success in a high-achieving, innovative environment. In 2021, Forbes ranked BGSU as the No. 3 midsize employer in the United States, highlighting the University’s commitment to its faculty and staff. Serving as the core of the University’s academic community, more than 800 full-time faculty members are engaged in teaching, research and creative activities, with over 2,000 full-time staff members to support the operations and education of over 20,000 students. Bowling Green State University provides experiences that enhance lives. Students are prepared for lifelong career growth, lives of engaged citizenship and leadership in a global society. U.S. News and World Report names BGSU as one of the top public universities nationwide with a strong commitment to first-year programs that lead to success. Within our transformative learning community, we build a welcoming, safe and diverse environment where the creative ideas and achievements of all can benefit others throughout Ohio, the nation and the world.

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