Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Development will advance the mission of Bowling Green State University by securing philanthropic gifts of $10,000 or more that 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 identify, establish and sustain professional relationships with potential major gift donors, alumni and friends. These relationships will advance the constituent’s engagement with the University as a philanthropic supporter. Responsibilities will emphasize development and implementation of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure contributions in support of the University’s fundraising priorities.

Essential Duties

Fundraising

• Actively manage and engage a portfolio of 130-150 prospective donors, advancing relationships through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts of $10,000 or more, with an emphasis on major gift pipeline development.
• Work closely with Senior Director of Development to support and serve as liaison to an assigned college/unit and execute a comprehensive short and long-term fundraising plan to advance the fundraising initiatives and programs of the assigned area(s). Establish professional relationships with college/unit leadership and faculty, including them in engagement and solicitation strategies with key prospects and donors, as appropriate.
• Create an annual work plan to accomplish specific goals and objectives that align with overall Advancement priorities, collaborating with Directors of Development, AVP for Development and colleagues in Annual Giving, Prospect Management, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Gift Planning and Alumni Engagement.
• Coordinate prospect strategies and share contact information with other fundraisers.
• Meet and exceed yearly performance metrics including visit and substantive contact, solicitation and gift closure goals, confirmed in collaboration with supervisor and Director of Prospect Management.
• Actively participate in University Advancement divisional, prospect management, team collaboration and strategic planning meetings.

Constituent Engagement 

• Engage alumni, volunteers and friends of the University through strategic personal communication, meetings, and gatherings.
• 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, groundbreakings and dedications. Host donors and prospects at events that advance cultivation for future philanthropic support, and stewardship.

Data and Process

• Record visits, emails and phone calls with prospects and donors, and document and update solicitation proposals in the Advancement database, in a timely manner 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 Senior Director of Development, Assistant Vice President for Development, and Vice President for University Advancement.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to promote the university’s fundraising priorities by developing professional and strategic relationships with donors, prospects, and other friends of the university.
• Experience using MS Office Suite
• Experience in a fast-paced, multi-faceted, dynamic organization
• Experience in effective communication to develop business relationships
• Solid understanding of donor engagement process
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to draft proposals, fund agreements, and other documentation in collaboration with supervisor, colleagues, or leadership.
• Ability to think entrepreneurially and strategically regarding the identification and qualification of new prospective donors for the university.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and to motivate others, work both independently and as part of a team, and be adaptable to change
• Demonstrated ability to move prospects through the donor cycle from discovery and qualification to cultivation, then to solicitation and stewardship.
• Understanding or willingness to learn industry best practices, CASE guidelines, and BGSU-specific policies, processes, and procedures, with strong attention to detail.
• 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.

Deadline to apply:  The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by ‘September 13, 2023’.   

Benefits

Bowling Green State University provides a comprehensive benefit program as part of a total compensation package.  This includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, health accounts (medical & dependent), life & disability insurance, retirement plans, employee assistance program and tuition fee waivers for employees and their eligible dependents as well as paid time off, holidays and parental leave.  For more information please visit Benefits-at-a-Glance.

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

Bachelor’s degree required. Successful candidate must have degree conferred at the time of application.

The following Experience is required:

• 1 year of experience in development, fundraising, sales or related field

The following Experience is preferred:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit organization
• Experience cultivating and soliciting gifts of $10,000 or more
• Experience working with donor databases or other CRM’s, such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT

The following Licensure, Certifications, or Registration is required:

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with the University’s vehicle use policy.

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.

Connections working at Bowling Green State University