Director of Major Gifts, College of Arts - Burlington, United States - University of Vermont Foundation

    University of Vermont Foundation
    University of Vermont Foundation Burlington, United States

    1 month ago

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    Full time
    Description

    The Director of Major Gifts for the College of Arts and Sciences
    (CAS) is responsible for mid-level and major gifts fundraising to
    benefit the College. The Director reports to the Assistant Vice
    President for Development of the UVM Foundation, with dotted-line
    reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This
    position provides an essential link between the academic leadership
    of the college and colleagues within the UVM Foundation to advance
    donor-centric gift conversations. Effectively communicating
    unit-based philanthropic priorities will strengthen relationships
    with parents and alumni of the college.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    75% Proactively manage a portfolio of
    individual prospects. Develop and execute cultivation and
    solicitation strategies that lead to private investment in
    academic, research, and programmatic priorities for CAS and the
    University. Build and foster an environment for successful
    fundraising within the College by preparing the Dean, Associate
    Deans, Chairs, and key faculty to participate effectively in
    fundraising appointments and other development activities. Work
    with University and Foundation leadership to develop a compelling
    case for engagement and support to attract mid-level and major gift
    donors in a highly competitive philanthropic environment.
    Collaborate with the Foundation's annual fund program to ensure
    that annual appeals generate new and increased giving and are
    coordinated with institutional schedules.

    15% Collaborate with Foundation leadership and
    central support units of the Foundation to support fundraising for
    CAS at the University of Vermont. Work with the prospect management
    team to identify and qualify new prospects, the donor relations
    team to implement best stewardship and donor recognition practices,
    and the communications team to craft effective case statements,
    campaigns, and other marketing materials.

    5% Ensure effective collaboration
    between school/college leadership and the UVM Foundation
    fundraising team. Provide current program information and the
    appropriate academic contacts essential for strong development
    outcomes.

    5% Other duties as assigned.

    Specific performance standards will be captured as metrics in an
    annual business plan.

    MINIMUM SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Effective and influential communicator in person, in writing,
    and by phone, with the ability to craft donor correspondence and
    follow-up, content for presentations, briefings, program overviews,
    talking points, etc.
  • Knowledge of principles and techniques of development,
    fundraising, sales, or similar high-end financial management.
  • Self-starter with the ability and desire to achieve a high
    level of productivity and success and to consistently seek new
    opportunities to learn and grow.
  • Effective problem-solver, able to flexibly adapt in a complex
    environment.
  • Collaborator and team player, with a track record of working
    effectively with others toward common goals.
  • Connector with strong interpersonal and relationship-building
    skills.
  • Champion for the mission and purpose of higher education, and
    the ability to talk with others about your passion.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and experience in exercising
    discretion in a complex, evolving environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity,
    and inclusion, combined with the ability to meaningfully apply
    those principles to strategy development and implementation.
  • Must be willing and able to travel frequently outside of
    Vermont, via air, train, and automobile. A valid driver's license
    is require

    PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic investments in
    the five to seven-figure ranges.
  • Proven ability to develop stewardship strategies that lead to
    further philanthropic investment.
  • Skillful strategist who can negotiate challenging situations
    and maximize donor impact while managing multiple projects.
  • Adept at balancing the need for travel and in-office
    relationships and follow-u
  • Experience in higher education or the non-profit sector.
  • Experience and skill in communicating about and dealing broadly
    with issues surrounding the liberal arts and sciences.

    MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

    Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of successful mid-level
    and/or major gifts fundraising-related experience, preferably in
    higher education; or any equivalent combination of education and/or
    experience from which comparable knowledge, skill, and abilities
    can be demonstrated.