Description:
Job Description Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Gift Planning
(SD), the
Development Director for Podiatric Medicine, Health Sciences and
Community
Engagement (DD) is responsible for the identification, cultivation,
solicitation, and stewardship of gifts in the $25,000 to six-figure
range from the College of Podiatric Medicine and the College of
Health Sciences alumni and friends, and supporters of the Center
for Community Engagement (CCE).
The Development Director will serve as a strategic Advancement
partner, helping to shape fundable priorities and connect
philanthropic investment to measurable student, community, and
institutional impact. The DD will work closely with the SD, as well
as the deans and faculty of the College of Podiatric Medicine and
the College of Health Sciences, as well as Center for Community
Engagement staff to advance funding opportunities and donor
engagement activities.
The Development Director will also play a key role in driving
success for SMU’s first-ever comprehensive campaign by building a
major gift pipeline, developing donor-ready funding opportunities,
and advancing philanthropic priorities including student
scholarships, health workforce development, clinical education,
simulation and experiential learning, interprofessional education,
community health, pathway programs, and community-engaged learning
Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage a portfolio of 100 major gift prospects and major donors
through all phases of the giving cycle, from qualification through
stewardship, with the purpose of deepening engagement among
existing major donors, increasing giving among donors, growing
annual revenue, and increasing the number of major donors to the
Colleges of Podiatric Medicine and Health Sciences and the Center
for Community Engagement.
Develop goals in partnership with the SD and the Vice President
of Advancement and conduct visits, make asks, and meet established
goals and expectations annually.
Organize strategic prospect visits and include key SMU faculty,
staff, leadership, and/or Board of Regents as appropriate in order
to build relationships and secure gifts that support the three
campaign pillars: Scholarship and Academic Innovation; City Center
Campus and Unrestricted Support; and Community Engagement and
Impact. Communicate with all parties via briefings, cultivation and
solicitation and stewardship plans/updates, and donor
correspondence.
Manage all communications and follow-up with assigned prospects
and donors, including maintaining detailed contact reports in SMU’s
database of record (Raiser’s Edge NXT).
Work closely with the deans, faculty, and staff to facilitate a
positive relationship with the Colleges and CCE to develop and
articulate fundraising priorities and gift opportunities that align
with the units and the University overall.
Collaborate with Advancement colleagues in the planning and
execution of cultivation and solicitation events associated with
the major gift program, including reunions, events, meetings, and
workshops. Identify alumni and other constituents for volunteer
leadership roles including reunion and class leaders, Board, and
committee positions.
Attend special events representing Advancement as a means of
engaging donors and prospects.
Work with Advancement Services on donor and prospect record
updates.
Actively maintain an in-depth knowledge of SMU, its funding
priorities, and giving opportunities in order to articulate a
compelling case for support to all constituents.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training
and/or experience.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising or
equivalent.
- Demonstrated competence in applications such as Microsoft
Office, Monday.com, Teams, Thankview, and Workday.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated database management experience; previous
experience with Blackbaud products such as Raiser’s Edge, Raiser's
Edge NXT preferred.
- Demonstrated experience as a successful fundraiser in a complex
and dynamic environment such as a higher education institution or
healthcare and hospital system (preferred).
- Previous campaign experience and/or experience cultivating,
soliciting, and securing five-figure gifts and above
(preferred).
- Experience developing, managing, and adhering to budgets and
quantifiable fundraising metrics (preferred).
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills – written, verbal,
and aural.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to communicate with and work collaboratively with many
different internal and external project stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and
a demonstrated team player.
- Ability to meet in-person with SMU donors and prospects.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends and to travel
periodically (principally in California).
- Knowledge of the mission of SMU, and connection to SMU
communities: Bay Area, Sacramento, and/or Fresno.
Work Environment:
Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite
- This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring
regular in-office presence to support daily operations,
collaboration, and student or team engagement.
- Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic
environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary
teams.
Employee Status:Regular
Exemption Status:United States of America (Exempt)
Time Type:Full time
Job Shift:
Pay Range:
up to $130,000 annuallydepending on experience, qualifications,
geographic location, and other relevant factors.
Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for
all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on
local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be
determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not
limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant
skills.