Director of Leadership Gifts

Description

Western Reserve Academy seeks an enthusiastic, collaborative, experienced and goal-oriented development professional to help identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors to help reach the school’s financial goals. The director will join a successful development team amid an ambitious Bicentennial Capital Campaign and play a significant role in securing leadership gifts while also helping to implement best practices as we expand an already robust leadership gifts program. Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement, this full-time position is based on our picturesque 190-acre campus in Hudson, OH.

Primary Responsibilities:   

1. Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 leadership gift prospects and donors. 
2. Identify, research and visit donors who, through research, demonstrate capacity and affinity to the school. 
3. Develop individualized fundraising strategies that include cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans. 
4. Work closely with colleagues in the Annual Giving Program, Advancement Services, Alumni Relations and other stakeholders to execute a moves management system within the database and play a key role in its implementation in the department. Utilize data and metrics to benchmark efforts, inform strategic and tactical decision-making and identify solicitation opportunities.
5. Implement identification, qualification, cultivation and stewardship activities that strengthen long-term relationships with leadership prospects and donors.
6. Plan and develop substantive experiences for groups of donors, both virtual and in person.
7. Educate donors about the financial priorities of the school and inspire donors to support those efforts. 
8. In and out-of-state travel to cultivate and solicit donors will be required.
9. Maintain accurate and up to date information in Raiser’s Edge documenting interactions with the donor. 
10. Help with other projects as assigned. 

Requirements

Competencies and Skills:   

1. Collegial and collaborative team player. 
2. Five or more years of experience in front-line fundraising, ideally in an educational setting, 
3. A proven ability to close gifts of $50,000 and up.
4. Experience cultivating and securing gifts from prospective donors. 
5. Confidentiality and excellent oral and written communication skills
6. Strong initiative and problem-solving skills are all essential, as are attention to detail and the ability to establish priorities and work accurately under time constraints. 
7. Must have familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising databases. 
8. Must be committed to building a respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment. 
9. Excellent project management skills.
10. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and maintain disciplined adherence to department goals.

Minimum Qualifications  

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Five years of direct fundraising experience

To Apply: 

Visit: https://www.wra.net/about-wra/employment

Salary : $50,000