Executive Director of Development, Vision

The University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has a long history of providing outstanding care for our patients, conducting leading-edge, collaborative research, and educating the next generation of ophthalmologists and vision science researchers.

The University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA) works to support the University of Iowa through engagement and philanthropy and seeks an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and strategic fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Development for Vision reporting to the Associate Vice President, Health Sciences Development. This role will lead fundraising efforts for the department of Ophthalmology and provide strategic development oversight to the Institute for Vision Research partnering with dynamic, visionary campus leaders.

This position is eligible for hybrid work (telecommuting) which includes working on-site at our office in Iowa City at least 3 days per week. Required: Please submit cover letter with application.

Identification

• Collaborates with Prospect Management staff on the identification of prospects (based on capacity, giving history, and affiliation) from among pools that may include alumni, patients, or other supporters of the university
• Works with Prospect Management staff to develop strategy for managing prospects
• Conducts all activities, particularly those involving constituent data, according to established laws, policies, procedures, and standards and with the full support of UICA, UI, and UI Hospitals and Clinics as relevant
• Efficiently conducts proactive outreach calls and messages to secure face-to-face qualification meetings

Qualification

• Optimizes qualification pool of potential major gift prospects with the goal of growing a continuous pipeline of donors capable of making gifts of $50,000+
• Models the role of a trusted philanthropic advisor, using transparent communication and educating donors about the giving process

Cultivation

• Manages portfolio of active major gift prospects and develops their readiness to advance
• Develops and implements donor-centric cultivation strategies, collaborating with colleagues as needed
• Facilitates prospects’ decision-making process; helps them understand next steps and articulate the link between their personal objectives and institutional priorities
• Maintains expert knowledge needed to ensure donors are fully informed about the full range of planned giving options. Maintains expert knowledge of funding priorities within and beyond assigned unit, consulting with UICA colleagues and campus partners as needed

Solicitation

• Meets expectations for solicitations, gifts closed, and average gift size (goals established annually with the supervisor in alignment with organization-wide metrics)
• Identifies meaningful ways for donor to achieve their desired impact while meeting funding needs

Stewardship

• Develops, implements, and participates in appropriate stewardship activities (e.g., acknowledgement letters, publicity events) for donors as relevant, working with stewardship staff as needed
• Maintains integrity of database through timely submittal of stewardship plans and contact reports for all significant interactions

Constituent Management

• Partners with campus leaders and UICA leadership to develop strategic fundraising priorities and a comprehensive multi-year plan to increase private gift support
• Manages fundraising program for assigned unit, including any special campaigns for program and capital support, in cooperation with campus partners/leaders
• Leverages trusted working relationships with faculty partners and leaders; communicates frequently regarding progress toward goals
• Prepares partners/leaders as necessary for donor meetings and guides their critical role in the giving conversation and donor engagement process
• Collaborates with CFR staff as relevant to identify and cultivate corporate and foundation gift prospects for assigned unit

UICA Program Leadership

• Plans and oversees the overall operational, reporting, budgetary, and financial responsibilities of assigned UICA unit
• Develops and maintains work systems, procedures, and productivity standards that advance the mission and goals of the team and enable optimum performance of the people and other resources within it
• Allocates resources to effectively accomplish the work of the assigned unit
• Monitors, evaluates, and aims to improve effectiveness of unit operations
• Makes business decisions that are consistent with UICA mission/vision and our organizational culture and values

UICA People Leadership

• Manages all aspects of the employee lifecycle from recruitment and onboarding through separation
• Empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and prioritizes trust and transparent communication as the basis for a productive relationship
• Supports employees in developing meaningful goals aligned with those of the assigned unit and UICA and in achieving/surpassing those goals
• Inspires performance through clear expectations and ongoing feedback
• Supports employees struggling to meet expectations for productivity, quality, and goal attainment
• Identifies and anticipates competency gaps within individuals and the UICA unit as a whole
• Motivates, develops, coaches, and rewards employees for growth in competencies over time, leading to new opportunities for subject matter expertise or leadership
• Partners with Talent Management to achieve optimum results for employees, self, unit, and UICA
• Creates a work environment that is consistent with UICA mission/vision and that emphasizes our organizational culture and values

Position allows for telecommuting/work from home (up to 2 days per week depending upon business need and leader approval). Our office is located in Iowa City, IA. Required: Please submit cover letter with application.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of related experience required, preferably in a fundraising, nonprofit, or higher education setting

Qualifications

Education

Required: Bachelors or better in Any Major.

Licenses & Certifications

Required: Driver's License