Senior Director of Advancement
Oglethorpe University

Job Info

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Job DetailsJob Location Oglethorpe University - Atlanta, GAPosition Type Full-Time StaffEducation Level Bachelor's Reporting to and working closely with the Vice President for Advancement, the Senior Director of Advancement is responsible for elevating the Universitys major gift program and building a robust pipeline of gifts at the six-figure and seven-figure levels. In addition to managing their own portfolio, the Senior Director will have primary responsibility for the management of three advancement officers as well as oversee the Advancement Operations team. The Senior Director will plan and implement strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, and stewardship of major prospects and donors; will help establish fundraising goals and objectives; and will play a strategic role in strengthening the relationship between Oglethorpe and its various constituencies. The Senior Director sits on the VPs leadership team, working collaboratively to advance the goals of the Office of Advancement. The Senior Director will be a proven leader who values traditions, collaboration, innovation, and creativity, and is well versed in current relationship-driven fundraising and alumni engagement strategies and tactics. Successful candidates will bring significant experience in a management role in a fundraising program and possess an authentic commitment to a liberal arts education and the capacity to articulate passionately its value and relevance.Essential Job Functions:

• Manages approximately 50 key major gift prospects, with a goal of shepherding these prospects through the donor cultivation cycle to a successful six- or seven-figure gift solicitation. Designs and implements strategy for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collects and analyzes data on donors patterns of engagement and philanthropy at Oglethorpe University and uses this information to guide decision-making regarding the deployment of staff and volunteer resources.
• Collaborates with Constituent Engagement to ensure fundraising and engagement are seamless, interconnected, and strategic.
• Manages four direct reports with focus on fundraising success and the effective operations necessary to achieve fundraising goals; establishes individual and team metrics and goals; ensures progress towards goal via consistent staff check-ins, reporting, and support.
• Institutes portfolio management best practices; ensuring that high-priority prospective donors are the focus of the fundraising team.
• Creates and cultivates a work environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion.
• Works closely with the Director of Advancement Operations and team to enhance operational efficiency for Oglethorpes major giving program and helps ensure that all systems and processesfrom gift documentation to systems reportingare accurate and tailored to align with the needs of the Office of Advancement.
• Completes administration work related to the budget, performance reviews, pipeline development, and benchmarking performance metrics.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the Advancement team for strategic planning and advancing the goals of the division.
• Develops appropriate stewardship for significant donors and works closely with Donor Relations and Stewardship on implementation.
• Frequently staffs Advancement and Alumni Relations events, both on campus and off campus.

Marginal Job Functions:

• Contribute to the overall success of the division by performing all other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college.
• Five to 10 years of development experience is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the donor cultivation cycle is required.
• A proven track record as a frontline fundraiser and manager.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Extensive experience in the field of higher education.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience staffing and collaborating with donors and volunteers.
• Experience in managing staff with a compassionate, clear, and decisive leadership and management style.
• Possession of the highest ethical standards, an entrepreneurial spirit, and creativity.
• Demonstrated success with cultivating, soliciting, and closing six-figure and seven-figure gifts from alumni, parents, and friends.
• Expertise in comprehensive fundraising planning, implementation, and completion.
• Experience developing and articulating a strategic vision with measurable goals using data and metrics.
• Outstanding relational skills, including an ability and commitment to listening and problem-solving; a desire and ability to earn respect and trust across all levels of the institution.
• Preferred experience overseeing an Advancement Operations team to build a solid foundation for fundraising success.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially in the efforts to successfully recruit, develop, and retain top-tier talent.
• Appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of many social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
• The skill to advocate for the mission and priorities of the institution and Division.
• Knowledge of current best practices in Development and Alumni Relations for incorporating technology into fundraising and donor engagement strategies as well as leveraging strategic communications efforts.
• Experience in Blackbaud, Raisers Edge, or relevant database management for donor and solicitation records.
• Ability to travel regularly.

Physical Requirements:

• Limited pushing, pulling, lifting. Lifting would not exceed 20 lbs.
• Mobility on campus and ability to travel necessary.

This job has expired.