Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Job Type: Regular

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Major Gifts & Sponsorships serves as a key fundraising professional for the New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) Foundation, supporting its philanthropic efforts, donor engagement strategies, and sponsorship development.
Under the direction of the Vice President for Advancement, this individual will be responsible for managing a portfolio of high-level donors and corporate and local sponsors, securing major gifts and sponsorships, and advancing institutional fundraising initiatives.
The position requires a collaborative, donor-focused approach to fundraising, working closely with Foundation staff and campus leaders to identify, cultivate, and secure sponsorships that enhance Foundation and university-wide events, initiatives, and fundraising campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising, Donor Relations & Sponsorship Development

Identify, cultivate, and maintain a portfolio of top donors and corporate sponsors for major and planned giving, naming opportunities, and sponsorships.
Develop and execute engagement strategies to enhance donor and sponsor relationships and secure philanthropic commitments.
Lead stewardship efforts and prospect research to identify new funding and sponsorship opportunities.
Collaborate with Foundation staff and campus event leads to identify, cultivate, and secure sponsorships for Foundation and university events.
Manage participation in key NMHU Foundation fundraising initiatives, such as the President's Circle, H-Club, Friends of the Galleries, 1893 Society, and other special campaigns.

Board & Committee Participation

Support the NMHU Foundation Board, serving as the primary liaison for the Art Committee, Nominations & Governance Committee, and Endowment Committees. 1
Provide strategic guidance to board members on fundraising progress, sponsorship

initiatives, and donor engagement strategies.

Attend Foundation and Alumni Board meetings, as well as signature donor and

sponsorship events to strengthen relationships and foster giving.
Department & Institutional Fundraising

Collaborate with NMHU faculty, staff, and Deans to align fundraising and sponsorship

efforts with institutional priorities.

Work with faculty, staff and Deans to provide support for departmental events including

but not limited to sponsorships

Identify opportunities where Foundation-managed funding can support university-wide

initiatives and academic programs.

Under the direction of the Vice President for Advancement, identify, cultivate and

steward donors and potential donors for campus naming opportunities
Art Collection & Donor Engagement Initiatives

Work closely with the Art Curator to support Friends of the Galleries fundraising

efforts and donor engagement events.

Develop and implement creative philanthropic engagement strategies that enhance

donor participation in unique giving opportunities, including NMHU's art collection and
legacy giving initiatives.

Minimum Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree required (advanced degree preferred) in business, nonprofit

management, communications, or a related field.

3+ years of experience in fundraising, sponsorship development, donor relations, or

corporate partnerships in a nonprofit, higher education, or foundation setting.

Proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts and sponsorships from individuals,

corporations, and foundations.

Strong understanding of planned giving strategies, donor stewardship, and

sponsorship development.

Experience working with boards, committees, and institutional leadership to support

fundraising and sponsorship efforts.

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
Knowledge of CRM fundraising software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar

platforms).

Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends for donor and sponsorship

engagement events.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree; graduate of NMHU or member of Las Vegas community; direct donor contact or fundraising experience, particularly in a higher educational setting; experience working with non-profit boards and committees; experience managing non-profit budgets; successful track record of fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to analyze and solve problems;
Exceptional diplomacy, effectiveness, and tact in dealing with donors and volunteers;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
Ability to present oneself with a professional presence and demeanor;
Ability to maintain confidential information and inquiries with discretion;
Ability to display a keen attention to detail;
Ability to display a strong working knowledge in excel, word, adobe, outlook, and other basic computer functions;
Proficiency in Raiser's Edge, including the ability to generate queries and lists, edit records, run reports, and analyze donor data;
Excellent knowledge of fundraising best practices, especially major and planned giving;
Proficiency in use and knowledge of common planned giving vehicles;
Proficiency in legal, regulatory, and compliance issues related to fundraising and non-profit administration;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, students and staff; and,
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and make contact with officials, students, organizations, alumni and the general public.

Physical Demands

Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computer;
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to forty (40) pounds;
Sitting for extended periods of time.

Pay Rate: 61,536.00

Work Location/Campus Center: Negotiable

EEO Statement

New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness.

For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu

Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW

Posting Number: AS957P

Special Instructions to Applicant

A complete online application must include: 1) Letter of interest/cover letter; 2) Resume; 3) Names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three (3) Professional references in application, and 4) Unofficial copies of transcripts. Candidates who are invited for on-campus interviews will be required to submit official transcripts. References will be contacted in conjunction with on-campus interview. Upload required materials with online application. For disabled access or services call (505) 454-3242 or contact Human Resources at hr@nmhu.edu. NMHU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

New Mexico Highlands University

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