Advancement - Executive Director of Development
Working at Cedarville University is more than a job, it's a calling. A call to help equip students to go into the world and do great things for the Kingdom. A call to use the gifts God has given you to make the most of every day. A call to work as unto the Lord. God is doing great things at Cedarville University and we are excited for you to be part of it.
When applying, please include a resume/CV and cover letter in PDF format. Additional documents will be requested if needed. Please do not submit documents that include dates of birth, social security numbers, or that require password access.
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 on-site staff position reports to the Vice President for Advancement. Classification: Exempt, Full-time (2080 annual hours)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION (45%)
- Engage with other division leaders as a member of the Vice President’s Cabinet.
- Supervise all aspects of the University’s donor solicitation program including annual and major gifts, foundations and grants, and gift planning.
- Collaborate with campus partners, providing processes and best practices for development efforts within schools and departments.
- Develop overall strategies for scholarships, endowment, gift planning, athletic, and academic fundraising initiatives. Supervise major gift solicitations.
- Participate in quarterly dynamic portfolio reviews
- Train, motivate, and evaluate direct reports.
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT AND SOLICITATION (45%)
- 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, which includes total number of contacts, visits, and funds raised in a fiscal year. Travel averages approximately 7-10 days per month.
- 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. All interactions must reflect respect for the individual, sensitivity to his/her needs, and integrity in conduct.
- 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.
- Five to seven years of successful experience in major gift acquisition required. Three years of supervisory experience preferred. Campaign experience in higher education preferred. Knowledge of planned giving and grant writing.
- Expertise in the following is required:
- Interpersonal, written, and verbal communication
- Public speaking
- Strategic Planning
- Data analysis
REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
- Possession of valid driver’s license and ability to comply with university vehicle-use requirements.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
We Offer an Exceptional Employee Experience:
- A commitment to Scripture that informs everything we do –transforming lives through excellent education and equipping students to stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. We are a mission-led, Christian institution with numerous opportunities for your growth and contributions.
- An excellent and comprehensive employee benefits program for eligible employees and their families.
- Meaningful Christian community and fellowship among students, faculty, and staff.
- A beautiful, well-maintained campus with modern facilities in the serene, family-oriented town of Cedarville, Ohio.
- Free access to our first-class Athletic and Recreation Facilities.
- Free employee parking.
- Free access to Centennial Library campus resources.
- Campus Bookstore and Campus Dining Hall discounts.
- Opportunities to foster growth through chapel and other university-sponsored events.
- Opportunities to share the gospel worldwide through Global Outreach mission trips.
General inquires should be directed to Teresa Day,Director of Staffing. This position is subject to the University's verification of credentials and other information required by law and Cedarville University policies, including the successful completion of a criminal history investigation. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Cedarville University is an equal opportunity employer.
