Job Information
Davenport University Executive Director - Development in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Executive Director - Development
Executive Director of Development
Davenport University - Office of Advancement
Position Overview:
Davenport University seeks a highly motivated and experienced fundraising professional to serve as the Executive Director of Development within the Office of Advancement. This key leadership position will report to the Executive Vice President for Advancement. They will be responsible for creating and executing a strategic fundraising plan to achieve major gifts and annual giving objectives in alignment with the university's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Executive Director will play a vital role in building relationships with a diverse group of constituents, including individuals, alumni, corporations, foundations, and more, to drive philanthropic success for Davenport University in achieving their $35M campaign goal for https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.davenport.edu/elevate&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1693925728481710&usg=AOvVaw2Vfpw2b4AjNh1LyNKHsAH3.
Key Responsibilities:
Major Gift Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive major gift strategy and annual plan, focusing on raising significant funds to support the university's philanthropic priorities.
Collaborative Approach: Collaborate internally to create compelling cases for support, proposals, and stewardship materials that resonate with donors and prospects.
Leadership Role: Serve as a key member of the Office of Advancement leadership team, contributing to the overall strategy, planning, and execution of short and long-term fundraising goals and oversee the assistant director of development.
Donor Portfolio: Manage a portfolio of 125-175 current and prospective donors, conducting at least 150 visits annually and producing a minimum of 24 proposals above $50,000 for solicitation.
Foundation Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with Foundation Trustees, ensuring their participation, trustee giving, relationship growth, and identification of new prospects.
Prospect Research: Develop a robust prospect pool for research on potential donors and alumni in collaboration with department staff.
Cultivation and Solicitation: Conduct prospect and donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship while overseeing a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects.
Annual Giving Strategy: Oversee the creation and implementation of the annual giving strategy.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required; Master's Degree preferred. • Minimum of seven years of successful fundraising-related experience. • Minimum of five years of experience in major gift cultivation and solicitation. • Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships that generate institutional support. • Experience in managing teams and achieving desired outcomes. • Strong goal-setting and deadline management skills. • Proficiency in various fundraising facets, including capital campaigns, major gifts, and planned giving. • Exceptional planning, organizational, and implementation skills. • Proficiency in computerized data systems. • Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills for diverse audiences. • Ethical, motivated, and dedicated to the university's mission. • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Diversity and Inclusion:
At Davenport, we believe that engaging diversity, equity and inclusion is essential to achieving educational and institutional excellence. We invite you to join us as we band together to create an environment of equity and inclusivity that leverages diverse life experiences, ideas, backgrounds and perspectives. We respect diversity and are committed to fostering an environment of support, inclusiveness and learning, both in the workplace and throughout the application process. With that in mind, we