Advancement - Executive Director of Development

Cedarville University invites applications for the Executive Director of Development who will effectively implement strategies and processes for best practice fundraising and stewardship of donors at all levels. This position supervises all director-level positions in the development department. Responsibilities also include managing a relationship portfolio of 75–100 major gift donors or prospects and oversight of all development strategies. This position works closely with the Director of Research and Reporting to design robust major gift, annual giving, and gift planning portfolios and establish appropriate performance metrics for relationship managers.

This is an on-site, full-time, exempt staff position reporting to the Vice President for Advancement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

Administration and Supervision (35%)

• Engage with other division leaders as a member of the Advancement Round Table
• Supervise all aspects of the University’s donor solicitation program including annual giving, mid-tier and major gifts, women’s philanthropy, and gift planning
• Collaborate with campus partners, providing processes and best practices for development efforts within schools and departments
• Collaborate with other members of the Advancement team to develop overall strategies for scholarships, endowment, gift planning, athletic, and academic fundraising initiatives
• Lead and participate in quarterly dynamic portfolio reviews
• Train, motivate, and evaluate direct reports

Relationship Management and Solicitation (55%)

• Manage relationships with an assigned portfolio of approximately 75–100 donor prospects who have demonstrated capacity to make gifts of $10,000 or more annually
• Responsible for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding each relationship according to established performance standards and metrics, including total number of contacts, visits, and funds raised in a fiscal year
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle:
  • Assist in the identification of major gift prospects
  • Qualify major gift prospects through personal contacts and visits
  • Draw prospects into a strong relationship with the University by connecting with their philanthropic interests and natural partners
  • Create and implement short-term, intermediate, and long-term solicitation plans for all primary donor assignments
  • Maintain stewardship contacts with donors to enhance giving satisfaction
• Work collaboratively with University staff, faculty, and leadership to effectively cultivate and steward donor relationships, applying sound strategy, humility, and grace
• Identify and facilitate strategic opportunities for prospects to interact with University leaders, including the President, Chancellor, board members, and administrators
• Represent the University at donor, community, and alumni events as necessary

Monitoring and Reporting (10%)

• Document activity according to departmental standards
• Attend regular Advancement staff and organization-wide meetings
• Maintain consistent office presence in between travel for the purpose of building community and facilitating effective communication

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
• Seven to ten years of successful experience in development or related field required
• Three years of supervisory experience preferred
• Campaign experience, preferably in higher education, preferred
• Expertise in the following is required:
  • Interpersonal, written, and verbal communication
  • Strategic planning
  • Data analysis
  • Team leadership and dynamics
• Possession of valid driver’s license and ability to comply with University vehicle-use requirements
• Willingness and ability to travel