PAY GRADE: 31S

DEADLINE: Open until Filled

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) engages donors, alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students in a lifelong relationship and fosters a tradition of philanthropy to strengthen the University of Delaware's legacy as one of the great public institutions of higher education in America.

Under the limited direction of the Director of Development, Parent and Family Giving (PFG), the Senior Associate Director is responsible for soliciting parent prospects for major gifts. This position is a front-line gift officer position focused on identifying, cultivation, soliciting and stewarding major gifts from current and past parents of UD students. The incumbent will play a key role in soliciting and closing significant gift commitments.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, organizes, manages, and implements short and long-range strategies for soliciting major gift commitments (defined as $50,000 and above) from parents of current students as well as past parents.
• Responsible for conducting a minimum of 120 visits annually to parents who are prospective donors; Manages pool of approximately 150-175 prospects.
• Collaborates with Parent & Family Giving team members to identify Parent & Family Leadership Council volunteers; New Student Send-Off hosts and story contributors to Blue Hen Parents, a quarterly digital newsletter.
• Aligns cultivation strategies with university, college- and unit-based strategic plans, objectives and goals.
• Works closely with college and unit gift officers to coordinate prospect visits. Collaborates with development and alumni relations peers to develop comprehensive donor engagement and solicitation strategies. Also, periodically collaborates with the Vice President of Student Life, the AVP of Colleges and Programs, and other senior University administrators. Utilizes considerable initiative and independence.
• Travels regionally and nationally to conduct major gift solicitations.
• Supports PFG team with parent data transition and updating process from Admissions to Development & Alumni Relations with Systems & Reporting team.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with the Vice President of Student Life, College/University Deans and faculty, senior administrators and front-line fundraisers.
• Develops extensive knowledge of College/University programs and projects, which can be matched with potential donor interests.
• Staffs parent, alumni and advancement events, as determined.
• Provides guidance and direction to administrative leaders and the volunteer leadership of Parent & Family Giving in the solicitation of selected major and special gifts prospects.
• Represents UD Development & Alumni Relations at meetings, programs, events and other activities as appropriate.
• Enhances professional knowledge and skills through attending seminars/workshops, reviewing professional literature and independently seeking out information, experts, or resources to creatively resolve issues or develop new ideas.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of progressively responsible job-related experience managing student, parent and/or development activities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to solicit and proven experience in closing significant gift commitments.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Standard computer skills - database management, word processing, e-mail, etc.
• Commitment to collaborative teamwork and individual accountability.
• A goal-oriented work ethic and absolute integrity.
• Interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Front-line fundraising and volunteer management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of and work experience in a higher education setting preferred
• Prior development experience highly desirable.
• Experience with campaigns, small event planning, and use of volunteers preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Domestic and local travel required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

To apply please click here!