Asst/Assoc Dir of Development Initiatives, Development

Overview

Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) and exercising a high level of independence, the Assistant/Associate Director is responsible for a wide range of fundraising support initiatives and activities. The Assistant/Associate Director of Development Initiatives plays a pivotal role in defining, establishing, and maintaining best practices in support of the objectives and key results of the six units reporting up to AVP. Specific responsibilities include: lead, plan, direct, manage, and execute a variety of complex projects; prepare (editing and writing) and manage complex proposals, presentations, or other deliverables; manage university and department interactions on behalf of the AVP; coordinate interactions with senior development and university leadership; oversee unit-based stewardship in consultation and coordination with central stewardship staff; serve as executive editor on behalf of the AVP; collaborate on events; provide administrative oversight including supervising the program coordinator and preparing and organizing meeting agendas; and coordinate inter-unit communications and activities. Participates in the identification of funding sources, initiatives and strategies. Manages the strategic planning process and oversees progress toward achieving project goals and culture shaping action plans. Conducts research, analyzes data, and identifies and summarizes trends. Develops and prepares high-level reports. Serves as a liaison with other university departments and reports out on projects at meetings and events. Individual will be hired at the Assistant Director or Associate Director level depending upon experience.

Required Skills & Abilities

1. Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete projects independently, proactively, creatively, intuitively and on-time. Proven team player with skills to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines from senior leadership in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing quality of work product.
2. Strong written/oral communications skills and proficiency in communicating appropriately with multiple constituencies. Demonstrated organizational and research capabilities, and strong attention to detail.
3. Commitment to an inclusive workplace.
4. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Skills with database software and reporting tools. Ability in learning and teaching new technologies.
5. High level of professionalism, judgment and integrity. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Fundraising experience in higher education.

Weekend Hours Required?

Occasional

Evening Hours Required?

Occasional

Principal Responsibilities

1. Leads key projects that advance university fundraising goals and overall department priorities. Sets and ensures quality standards for each project.
2. Communicates project vision, strategic direction and expectations to team members and stakeholders.
3. Defines project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders. Manages changes in project scope, identifies potential risks, and devises contingency plans.
4. Develops best practices for project execution and management.
5. Serves as critical resource to other administrative units.
6. Maintains a high level of knowledge of priorities relating to special/critical initiatives, and serves as a content resource to development colleagues and other fundraising units. Promotes opportunities for communicating fundraising needs to those who work with potential donors. May interact with donors and prospects, as appropriate.
7. Outlines, drafts and edits a wide-range of written materials on behalf of development leadership and senior staff.
8. Serves as an advisor and, where appropriate, staff support, to campaign related initiatives. Provides strategic advice on project campaign planning and implementation.
9. May provide strategic and operational guidance to school/unit development operations.
10. Manages staff, as appropriate.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.