Senior Director of Development (AP25-031)

Overview

Join the dynamic SIUE Foundation team at an exceptional time as we ignite the largest fundraising initiative in the institution’s history. SIUE seeks an experienced, successful, collaborative fundraiser to serve as Senior Director of Development who will use their skills and passion to drive positive change in our region and beyond.

The SIUE Foundation is seeking qualified applicants for a Senior Director of Development responsible for supporting both unit and university priorities, leveraging a deep understanding of institutional needs and donor motivations, and fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.

SIUE is a nationally recognized university that provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 12,500.

What You Will Do

·      Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of 125 current and potential donors, including alumni, donors, parents, friends, corporations, and private foundations, with a primary focus on securing gifts of $25,000 or more with a personal fundraising goal of $3 million in alignment with performance metrics.

·      Donor Engagement and Solicitation: Collaborate closely with key volunteers, leadership, faculty, and staff to design and implement effective engagement and solicitation strategies that lead to major gift commitments. Actively participate in hosting and attending on-campus and regional events and comprehensive research, outreach, and discovery meetings.

·      Proposal Development: Work in partnership with unit and SIUEF leadership to create compelling proposals for philanthropic support that align donor interests with institutional and unit priorities. Equip deans, faculty, staff, and volunteers with the necessary tools and strategies for successful proposal preparation, delivery, and follow-up.

·      Collaboration: Manage and coordinate advancement activities of unit employees. Develop and implement communication strategies, utilizing in-person, print, and online mediums, to inform, engage, and inspire potential donors to invest. Participate actively in staff meetings, strategy sessions, and one-on-one meetings to ensure alignment of goals and progress.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

·      Bachelor's Degree

·      At least 7 years of full-time, progressively responsible major gift fundraising success, preferably in the field of higher education

·      Demonstrated success and evidence of ability to plan and execute annual plans and multi-year donor engagement plans

·      Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills

·      Experience with Microsoft Office programs and use of relational databases, preference for Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

·      Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive materials and maintain strict confidentiality

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

·      Preference for Master's degree

·      Preference for knowledge of the St. Louis regional and Metro-East area and business communities

·      Preference for experience in campaign management, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving

·      Preference for CFRE certification

·      Preference for prior Blackbaud Raiser's Edge knowledge/experience

What We Offer

Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 work schedule with frequent local and regional travel with occasional national travel. Periodically work evenings or weekends to engage with the community of alumni and friends.

SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at the percentage of appointment) including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• University tuition waivers (full-time receive 100% waiver of tuition)
• Life insurance
• SURS retirement plan
• Supplemental retirement savings plans
• Paid vacation and sick leave accrual
• Generous holiday schedule/paid holidays
• WorkLife programs
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health and wellness)
• Employee discounts (local and national retailers)
• Flexible Spending Account Program