What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Development position at University of Northern Colorado?
The Associate Director of Development is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding leadership annual giving (LAG) donors from identified prospects within a portfolio comprised of university-wide donors, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends. This position primarily works with a portfolio of 150-200 individuals capable of making leadership gifts ($1,000-$25,000) to the university with a goal of increasing annual giving and developing a strong pipeline for major gift donors. This position will work collaboratively with development officers on the referral of major gift prospects and the Donor Relations Coordinator to coordinate stewardship efforts. They carry out these responsibilities on behalf of university-wide program(s), including academic and non-academic initiatives, and overall university priorities.
This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development and is a member of the centralized Development Team within the Division of University Advancement. This individual must foster inclusivity while working closely and collaboratively with all development, advancement services, annual giving, alumni and foundation staff members to ensure that philanthropic relationships, communications, events and solicitations are donor centric in order to maximize support of UNC. This individual also works closely and coordinates with university-wide administration, marketing and communications teams, and faculty and support staff to ensure that they are appropriately informed and engaged in development activities.
Job Duties:
- Meets fundraising performance metrics established with supervisor on an annual basis.
- Metrics include but are not limited to substantive visits, qualification visits, total dollars solicited, retention rates and other strategic activities.
- Develops communication strategies to contact, via telephone, email and other methods, identified prospects to secure 1:1, face-to-face visits.
- Conducts personal visits with prospects to solicit, upgrade and retain LAG level prospects utilizing a variety of gift vehicles including multi-year pledges to assist the team in realizing their annual and overall Development goals.
- Makes assessments of prospects for the purpose of assessing capacity and inclination to make a major, planned, or blended gift to develop a strong pipeline for major gift prospects.
- Once identified, coordinates with development leadership and development officers on the referral of major gift level ($25,000 or more) prospects.
- Creates effective, actionable cultivation and solicitation plans.
- Occasionally prepares compelling written proposals to secure gifts that address the donor’s philanthropic interests and university and/or unit priorities.
Portfolio Management and Stewardship. 20%
- Documents completed and anticipated moves with prospects in alumni/development database in a timely and accurate way.
- Routinely collaborates with Donor Relations Coordinator to ensure appropriate stewardship process is in place and executed for all donors within assigned portfolio and, in collaboration with development officers, implement strategy for engagement and program/college-specific stewardship.
- Works effectively and collaboratively with appropriate divisional colleagues on the execution of gift agreements, creation of endowed/spendable funds and receipting.
- Works closely with the prospect researcher to ensure that assigned prospects and donors have well-documented and comprehensive records and that their portfolio is accurate and up-to-date; responds to referrals of LAG prospects from the prospect researcher, development officers and student advancement ambassadors (SAA) and other sources in a timely manner.
- In collaboration with the prospect researcher and development leadership, works to continually evaluate, improve and implement new strategies to identify and segment LAG prospects and practices to stay current with industry practices.
- Fosters an environment for successful fundraising by working with development and cross-campus colleagues to gain insight on fundraising priorities and development-related engagement opportunities. Time spent: 5%
- Participates actively in team, divisional and campus meetings. Time spent: 5%
- Participates in ongoing enhancement of fundraising skills through professional training. Time spent: 5%
- Models behavior that demonstrates positive and respectful engagement and an approach that emphasizes action for the good of the university as a whole.
- Follows university and development policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2 or more years of fund-raising experience, preferably in higher education, or equivalent experience in a field closely related to Development such as sales or marketing.
Abilities:
- Driven, self-motivated individual with proven ability to achieve financial goals and performance metrics.
- Ability to forge strong working relationships with others and a capacity for engaging confidence and trust among internal and external constituents.
- Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills including effective presentation skills. Ability to commuicate clearly and succinctly with diverse audiences through strong phone, email and written communication.
- Demonstrable experience in developing stewardship plans leading to upgrades and retention.
- Exhibits and promotes a comprehensive understanding of university-wide priorities along with the value of a UNC education.
- Willingness and ability to build and maintain effective relationships with donors and colleagues while working both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential prospect information.
- High motivation for success coupled with diplomacy, inclusivity, tact, and consistent follow-through.
- Strong analytical, organizational and strategic planning skills with ability to handle multiple projects.
- Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
- Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and comfort working in donor/prospect computer database systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Must have valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license.
Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.
About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability – to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub to learn more about UNC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
AAEO Employer
The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.
The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University’s policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.
This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.
Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.
