Director of Development Job at Lehigh University
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Development/ Alumni Relations
Responsible for serving as the primary Development Officer for both the College of Education and the College of Health, developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to help the Colleges meet their goals and objectives. Will provide the Colleges’ fundraising efforts with creative and energetic direction and work to increase the number of engaged donors, particularly at the major and principal gift levels. They will work closely with the Deans of the Colleges to ensure proper coordination of efforts within the Colleges and across the University. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.
- Qualify alumni and friends of the University who have the capacity to provide major gift philanthropic support of $50,000 or more for the College of Education and $250,000 or more for the College of Health
- Develop and execute strategies to cultivate and solicit these prospects
- Maintain an active schedule of face-to-face and virtual meetings with current and potential major donors, averaging 5-7 meetings per month
- Prepare briefing materials, proposal documents and other documents to engage, solicit and steward donors
- Negotiate, close and facilitate the proper documentation for all gift commitments
- Actively manage a portfolio of assigned prospects, ensuring that activity is tracked in the database of record and that pipeline entries are current and updated completely
- Develop and document an annual fundraising plan for the Colleges which includes strategies and next steps to meet short-term fundraising goals and demonstrates creative, intentional use of allocated budget dollars and resources to align activity with the needs and aspirations of the Colleges and University
- Manage a budget for the Colleges’ fundraising efforts, track and reconcile expenses, utilize allocated resources in accordance with University practices and standards and as a strategic planning tool that directly aligns with each year’s annual plan
- Meet regularly with the Deans and other leadership of the Colleges to update on progress and to coordinate activity for the week, month, quarter, etc.
- Partner with Development and Alumni Relations colleagues to develop case for support documents, stewardship materials and other forms of print/digital communications in order to advance the plan for the year
- Work closely with the Deans of the Colleges to identify appropriate volunteer roles, and partner with Gift Officers and Alumni Relations colleagues to ensure that volunteer opportunities are filled as appropriate
- Remain in contact as needed with University administrators to help identify early candidates for University volunteer leadership roles
- Write, edit and proofread proposals from colleagues across the Office, in order to ensure that the messages being presented to constituents are accurate, compelling and consistent
- Assist the Deans as appropriate in planning and participating in College Advisory Council Meetings; provide fundraising updates and plans to volunteer leaders
- Assist colleagues in the cultivation and solicitation of prospects and donors to the colleges
- Maintain regular contact with Gift Officers across the Office in order to build and maintain a regular pipeline of prospects moving toward solicitation
- Work with Alumni Relations colleagues in coordination of regional activities
- Meet regularly, formally and informally, with the Development Associate and Coordinator to oversee and guide their activity
- Regularly communicate job accountabilities, discuss training needs and opportunities and develop training plans for staff
- Train, mentor and motivate colleagues to meet or exceed performance standards
- Promote transparency of activity and ensure the long-term success of the fundraising program; document activity with prospect and donor relationships in a timely manner
- Utilize system and other custom reports, prepare and communicate progress toward goals for special projects to the Deans, Development and Alumni Relations staff, and senior University leaders as appropriate
- Prepare and submit travel and other expenses in a timely manner, documenting expenditures in accordance with University practices and standards
Grade: 12-40
Position Number: S89970
Special Considerations
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Kelly Woodbridge, Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist at kmp415@lehigh.edu
The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor
This position is responsible for driving University-owned vehicles as a routine function, therefore a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is required
Weekend and evening hours are often required
Extensive travel required
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience
Five to eight years related work experience
Experience working in a development position in which external relationships have been strongly established
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and a high level of customer service required
Experience collaborating and communicating with internal and external partners to build strategic relationships
Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and a high degree of initiative for bringing tasks to completion
Solid writing ability and organizational skills
Supervisory experience preferred
Solid computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet and database software
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position
All Lehigh faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot six months after their second vaccine; unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption from the requirement.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
Advertised: March 28, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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