Job Title

Director of Philanthropy

Agency

Texas A&M University - Commerce

Department

Advancement

Proposed Minimum Salary

$4,925.17 monthly

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Director of Philanthropy, officed in both our Dallas and Commerce locations, is a frontline fundraising position, responsible for managing a portfolio of 100+ major (currently defined as $25,000+) and planned gift current and prospective donors. The primary focus of this position will be to identify and cultivate relationships with alumni and friends in order to actively solicit major outright and deferred gifts to the University, its colleges, and priority programs, in alignment with the University’s and Division’s strategic plans. Develops, coordinates, and maintains comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Works closely with deans, board members, philanthropy operations, and other faculty and staff to promote and grow a robust culture of philanthropy to meet the financial goals of the institution.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major and planned gift donors and prospects in collaboration with the Director(s) of Philanthropy, deans, faculty and Philanthropy and Engagement team.
• Builds, maintains, and strengthens positive relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations within and external to, the University community.
• Tenaciously and proactively pursues major and planned gift fundraising initiatives and ensures and executes appropriate recognition and stewardship.
• In collaboration with philanthropy operations, performs research regarding individuals’ giving capacity, interests and giving history.
• Updates actions, visits, opportunities, communication and moves management in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Collaborates with faculty and other campus partners to assist in the research and development of appropriate fundraising proposals.
• Serve as a liaison to assigned College(s) or program area(s) ensuring that Division is aware of key fundraising and engagement opportunities and priorities.
• Achieves performance goals, as outlined in the division strategic plan and by the Executive Director of Philanthropy.
• Regularly attends and participates in community and university wide functions and alumni events.
• Regularly attends and participates in division meetings and retreats.
• Maintains a schedule of professional development and training in appropriate areas including fundraising, operations (annual Raiser’s Edge training), and others as identified or needed.
• Provide flexible officing from the Dallas and Commerce campuses.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience. Demonstrated relationship management experience and success in planned or major gift fundraising or related environment.

• Knowledge / Skills: Proven track record of successful fundraising or sales experience. Demonstrated experience in marketing, persuasive writing, working directly with volunteers and effective personal correspondence and communications with donors. Demonstrated understanding of relational fundraising and skill to convincingly articulate needs and goals that motivate potential donors to make gifts. Outstanding organization and time management skills to function efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated environment. Superior attention to detail and commitment to high standards of excellence and customer service. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with all levels of constituents, internal and external, campus wide. Excellent presentation skills. Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and strategic thinking. Effective consensus builder. Proficiency with Microsoft tools. Experience with relational databases or CRMs. Knowledge of database applications. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to: Multitask, follow through, and work cooperatively with others. Ability to present information clearly and concisely. Ability to manage several large projects simultaneously. Ability to quickly learn and utilize people, resources, and information across the campus. Ability to work well with colleagues and students.

• Licensing/Professional Certifications: Valid Driver’s license required.
• Physical Requirements: None
• Other Requirements: Frequent travel averaging about 40% of time spent out of the office. Travel may include air and overnight stays.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree preferred. Raiser’s Edge NXT experience preferred. Joy of philanthropy and donor-centered mindset. Higher education fundraising experience. Capital campaign experience. Gift planning, corporate, or foundation fundraising experience. Bilingual.

• Licensing/Professional Certifications: CFRE or Blackbaud certifications.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

None

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.