Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation - Development Director Law School

Company: Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation
Job Title: Development Director Law School
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time
Work Schedule: Mutually determined
Reporting Relationship: Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations - Law School
Work Location: Onsite, Washburn University Foundation Building

Primary Accountabilities:
The Development Director - Law School is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift donors from an active prospect list of individuals and Washburn University (“University”) prospects. This position is a key contributor to Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation’s (“Foundation”) fundraising efforts and will work collaboratively with the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations – Law School to secure support for University priorities.

The individual will work closely with both the Development team to support the overall communication plan of the Foundation and maintain consistency with the Foundation’s messaging.

The Development Director will establish and nurture effective, collegial working relationships with co-workers and University partners while representing the Foundation in a positive and professional manner. Internal relations will involve regular contact with the Foundation staff including senior leadership, and contact with campus leadership as appropriate and necessary.

Major Duties:

• Direct programs for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for prospective and present major gift donors to the School of Law and Washburn University, working with the dean, department chairs, Foundation officers and professional staff, University administrators, faculty, and volunteer leaders;
• Solicit major gifts, both outright and deferred, in support of the stated needs of the School of Law and Washburn University;
• Develop and implement both annual and long-range goals, objectives, and strategies to maximize private support for the School of Law and Washburn University, consistent with the overall plan of the Foundation;
• Develop and implement an ongoing program of communication with donors that recognizes past and current commitments and fosters support for future efforts;
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) initiate contacts with potential major gift donors; (2) develop appropriate engagement and cultivation strategies, including working with volunteers and senior University administrators; (3) move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) make solicitations when appropriate; and (5) maintain stewardship contacts with donors;
• Work in a collegial and strategic manner with the development team in creating and implementing strategies for engagement, cultivation, solicitation and closure of gifts;
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude and convey sensitivity to needs of the donors;
• Work independently and be self-motivated in initiating contacts with potential donors;
• Assist in the long-range planning for the Major Gift and Planned Giving group;
• Supervise the shared Development Specialist who provides administrative support for this constituent area; and
• Perform other activities as assigned by the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations – Law School and other Senior Staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college/university; significant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience can be substituted;
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising or related field required;
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills. Ability to listen is essential. Able to ask questions which encourage potential donors to talk about themselves, their activities, and their philanthropic interests;
• Ability to work independently within parameters and goals set for the development and alumni relations team along with ability to analyze and prioritize gift sources and programs while maintaining positive relationships;
• Must be willing to travel and work evenings and weekends as required and necessary;
• Must be able to build strong relationships with donors, academic partners, Foundation staff and volunteers;
• Ability to personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. Knowledge of charitable gift planning and experience preferred;
• Knowledge of and interest in all aspects of the School of Law and Washburn University and dedication to promoting the fundraising priorities to others on campus, in the community and with alumni and friends;
• Ability to handle multi-functional tasks and have a demonstrated record of completing assignments and meeting deadlines;
• Professional attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality; and
• Reliable and predictable attendance.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read computer screens and mail, talk on the phone;
• Ability to travel, regionally and nationally with some overnight travel;
• Ability to unpack and move supplies up to 30 lbs.;
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends and attend events required; and
• Ability to drive.

Physical Demands:

• Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
• Interaction with staff, campus partners and potential donors

Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

To apply:
Please CLICK HERE to submit your resume, cover letter and three professional references.

The Foundation does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, genetic information, military status or membership in other protected groups. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.