The University of Rochester is one of the country's top-tier research universities. Our 158 buildings house more than 200 academic majors, more than 2,000 faculty and instructional staff, and some 9,300 students - approximately half of whom are women.
Learning at the University of Rochester is also on a very personal scale. Rochester remains one of the smallest and most collegiate among top research universities, with smaller classes, a low 9:1 student to teacher ratio, and increased interactions with faculty.
Location: Central Admin-SrVP Advancement
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Opening
Full Time 40 hours Grade 058 Ofc Sr Vice Pres Advancement
Schedule
8 AM-5 PM; OCCAS WKENDS
Position Overview
The Senior Director will join the Regional Programs management team consisting of the Executive Director of Regional Advancement and International Programs, one other Senior Director of Regional Advancement, and the Director of Regional Development overseeing the University’s team of Regional Directors.
The Senior Director will supervise and motivate Regional Directors with the goal of expanding both the size and the productivity of the University's prospect pool. A key member of the University's Central Development team, the Senior Director will ensure that the major gift team coordinates activity with the School/Unit gift officers for maximum effectiveness.
The Senior Director will help organize, guide and manage volunteer activity in key regions led by volunteer regional cabinets, monitor staff performance for activity and solicitation, and assist in building and growing a series of robust regional campaigns. In addition, he/she will carry a reasonably sized portfolio of prospects (in the range of 50 to 75 top major and leadership gift prospects). The Senior Director should anticipate traveling 25 percent of his/her time.
The position reports to the Assistant Vice President of University Advancement.
Principal Accountabilities
Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President of University Advancement, the Senior Director will:
- Continue implementation of major gift plan, including activities related to: regional volunteer recruitment, donor acquisition, growth of prospect pool and other goals as set by University Advancement leadership.
- Take an active role in the formation and active management of volunteer Regional Cabinets and Regional campaigns.
- Manage a team of Regional Directors. Provides the motivation and guidance for Regional Directors to maximize productivity; regularly monitor and evaluates performance.
- (Lead staff by example. Effectively cultivate and solicit donors capable of contributing gifts of $50k and higher.
- Support the Assistant Vice President of University Advancement with programs/projects as needed.
- Work actively to coordinate activity and improve communication between Regional Advancement and central offices with strong regional activity (annual fund, alumni relations), as well as with school/division gift officers.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with course work or concentration in Public Relations, Psychology or Behavioral Sciences, and 10 years of administrative experience with at least 5 years in development work at an educational institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven experience in major individual gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, and in cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of gifts at the $50K+ level
- Major gift and management success working during a large capital campaign in a sophisticated and complex environment.
- Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising - able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) to initiate contacts with potential donors; (2) to develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers and senior university administrators; (3) to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) to make solicitations when appropriate; (5) to maintain stewardship contacts with donors.
- General information of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets and estates.
Skills and Abilities
- A high level of energy and enthusiasm for closing gifts and working with donors
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills required
- Experience working with high-level volunteers
- Desire to expand management skills and experience
- Solid relationship-building skills, able to interface with external constituents, leading faculty, administrators and trustees
- Problem-solving, research and analytical skills
- Must be a student of the development profession, always willing to improve his/her skills and learn from industry best practices
- Must be able to travel a minimum of 30% or 35% of workable hours
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
The University of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.