Rockford University invites candidates for the position of Advancement Director. The Director is responsible for providing results-driven leadership to increase short-term and long-term support of Rockford University through meaningful and effective programs, relationships, and communications.
The Director is a leader who embraces the mission, vision, and values of Rockford University, with a primary responsibility of creating and executing a comprehensive, multi-year annual giving and alumni engagement plan that will result in substantial revenue growth while growing and improving programs, enhancing alumni and donor engagement, and providing a positive experience for all constituents. This position directly manages the team that supports all efforts related to giving, engagement, and stewardship.
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide leadership, management oversight, and strategic guidance for annual giving, engagement, and stewardship to enhance the alumni and donor experience, grow and improve programs, and ultimately increase Rockford University support.
- Within the Advancement Office’s overall fundraising plan, plan, lead, and execute a strategic annual giving and alumni engagement plan focused on acquisition, retention, and upgrades to build a culture of engagement and philanthropy for a sustainable donor pipeline.
- Manage a personal portfolio of 50-60 prospects and identifying and qualifying new prospects to the portfolio as needed;
Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for all prospects; - Communicate and articulate the vision, mission, goals, and core values of the University to prospective donors;
- Move the prospects through the stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Identify and cultivate alumni and friends in key positions to build support for the University. Assesses capacity and inclination to give and areas of interest for each donor and makes recommendations for movement of assigned donors to major gift prospect tracking.
- Develop and implement a regular plan of reporting engagement and annual fund progress.
Qualifications include, but are not limited to:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of fundraising for higher education.
- Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program for annual gifts, establishing goals and objectives that translate into annual operating plans and appropriate staff assignments.
- Experience with strategic and annual planning, project management, strengthening partnerships, and process improvement efforts is essential.
- Analytic and data mining skills are preferred, including an understanding of segmentation and new media marketing.
- Ability to lead and supervise a small team
- A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible development experience, preferably in higher education fundraising, including a strong documented record of gift solicitation and volunteer management. Alumni work helpful but not necessary.
To view the full job description, please visit RU Adv Director 2124
Starting salary range is $63,000 and negotiable on experience.
TO APPLY: Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position if filled. Please submit cover letter indicating salary requirements, resume and list of three professional references to HumanResources@rockford.edu.