Director of Development, College of Engineering

Iowa State University Foundation - Ames, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Ames, IA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The College of Engineering is preparing the next generation of engineers and pursuing groundbreaking research requiring transformational thinking, bold actions, and diverse partnerships. Grand challenges need great minds as the college creates solutions to make Iowa and the world a better place. The pursuit of excellence means strategically investing in students, faculty, staff, and facilities to reach new heights. A prestigious program is nothing without passion - and the college needs people to think creatively and help inspire donors to excel in the journey. As one of our Directors of Development in the College of Engineering, you will meet frequently with donors face-to-face in their homes, at events or hosting at a restaurant or coffee shop. Working each day to connect donors' philanthropic interests with campus priorities, you will blend your professional knowledge, relationship management skills, and talent with philanthropic strategies.

Responsibilities

• Work with team members to develop strategies to achieve goals for fundraising priorities.
• Plan and complete prospect engagement opportunities and present gift proposals.
• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 125 assigned prospects.
• Develop new prospect relationships while engaging previous and current donors.
• Partner with our research team and identify prospects capable of making major gifts of $100,000 or greater.
• Travel extensively (up to 50%) to establish and nurture long-lasting, strong donor relationships.
• Work independently and collaboratively with all levels of college administration, faculty, staff, donors and foundation development teams.
• Communicate in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes, including writing donor correspondence, contact reports, and proposals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or appropriate related years of experience; advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 4+ years of professional experience in major gift fundraising, non-profit work, higher education, sales, communications, or another related field.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to achieve ambitious goals with a remarkable track record for leading successful initiatives with measurable results.
• Savvy relationship-building and leadership skills; excellent communicator with diplomacy and tact.
• Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to champion donor-centeredness.
• Strong team orientation, dedicated work ethic, and a positive and professional attitude.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple initiatives.
• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor, and a belief in the organizational mission.

Benefits

• Potential hybrid work location.
• Exempt FLSA status.