Senior Director of Development, College of Arts & Sciences

At the University of Cincinnati Foundation, we commit ourselves to providing a place where everyone belongs. We care deeply about those in our community, while also taking care to nurture new relationships. We have the courage to dream big, drive excellence and uphold integrity in our work. We amplify our collective impact by celebrating different perspectives and embracing inclusion.

Structure

The Senior Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Assistant Vice President of Development, West Campus.

Focus

The Senior Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences will lead a team of major gift officers with a goal of increasing gifts in the $100K to $1M range. The Senior Director will develop and execute a strategic plan for the college major gifts program, which will position it to achieve significant growth. Key elements of the plan will address pipeline development, portfolio optimization, and alignment to campaign priorities. 

Specific Duties

• Work closely with the Assistant Vice President for Development, West Campus in the preparation of an annual plan and the setting of individual and team goals.
• Recruit, lead, motivate and manage a team of development professionals; establish objectives, set performance standards and productivity metrics, and evaluate performance; provide appropriate levels of training, mentoring and professional development. Assign and direct projects and oversee day-to-day operations of the team.
• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects ($100,000 ); cultivate and solicit major and special gifts by making visits to alumni and friends within and outside the Cincinnati region in conjunction with the UCF development program.
• Work closely with the Dean, academic departments, and other college personnel to prioritize college fundraising initiatives and activities.
• Work collaboratively with UCF departments and fundraising specialists (prospect development, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, and national programs) to enhance fundraising revenue and donor impact.
• Assist development officers, the Dean, and donors to develop proposals and gift agreements that adhere to the UC Foundation Gift Acceptance Policy and that reflect the intentions of the donor and the needs of the university.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and donors, developing and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, stakeholders and partners.
• Engage the support and partnership of faculty and professional staff leaders in the college to facilitate both their understanding of and participation in the development process.
• Recruit and involve volunteers for college activities; coordinate with the Dean the engagement and activities of the College Advisory Board, and/or other volunteer groups which support the college in the future.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with the Arts & Sciences faculty and staff, and external relations personnel.
• Prepare timely contact reports and ensure the accuracy of monthly reports.
• Participate fully in the UCF prospect and clearance process.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 7-10 years of progressively responsible major gift fundraising experience or advanced degree with 5-7 years of experience.
• Record of successful major gift solicitation and closure ($100K level and above).
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in coaching and mentoring team members.
• Ability to interact favorably with a diverse group of individuals and to foster strong, productive relationships.
• Willingness to travel and attend evening and weekend activities as needed. Valid driver’s license required for travel.
• A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati.

What We Offer

The anticipated starting salary range for the Senior Director of Development role is $110,000 to $130,000 annually. When determining final offer amount the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, external market data, as well as, market and business considerations when making compensation decisions.

At the UC Foundation, we understand the importance of providing both a desirable work environment as well as benefits that provide our employee’s peace of mind and work/life balance. We offer a total rewards package inclusive of performance based bonus, as well as, competitive health and wellness benefits, tuition remission, retirement with employer match, paid parental leave, and paid vacation, sick time and holidays, including calendar year-end closing. To learn more, visit our careers page.

Physical Demands

This position is considered to have sedentary work. Exerting up to 10lbs. of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position requires:

• Finger use
• Talking
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, this position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).

Pre-Hire Requirements

The UC Foundation seeks talented, collaborative and mission-focused individuals to join our advancement team in driving philanthropic support for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. All offers of full-time employment are contingent upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification. 

Salary : $110,000 - $130,000