Director for Donor Engagement

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and ecumenical liberal arts university. The University combines a strong core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study.

At Mount Saint Vincent, a student’s education extends beyond knowledge, skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person. In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Relations, the Director for Donor Engagement is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit assigned prospects to ensure a strong base of ongoing financial support for institutional capital and major gift priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the University’s Major Gift Effort
• Work in collaboration with the Senior Vice President and President to create and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies necessary for a portfolio of assigned major gift prospects to grow philanthropic support for the University’s strategic priorities, as well as to identify new prospects for engagement.
• Develop proposals and solicit major gifts of $10,000 or more to support institutional priorities including capital campaigns, endowment, programmatic development and capital projects.
• Manage donor relationships to ensure appropriate stewardship activities are implemented to maintain and strengthen donor relationships with the University.
• Develop strategies and programs to educate current and prospective donors about planned giving opportunities and to increase the number of these commitments as members of the University’s Centennial Society.
• Work with University trustees, administration, faculty, and staff to translate University strategic priorities into development opportunities for major donors and donor prospects.
• In collaboration with the Senior Vice President and Associate Vice President for External Relations, coordinate with senior leadership at the University in support of fundraising initiatives and solicitations conducted outside the Office Advancement. Maintain and track activities in support of those collaborations within Raisers Edge, and documentation of solicitations, acknowledgements, and stewardship activities.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in soliciting, negotiating and closing major gifts and relationship-building skills with donor prospects; knowledge of planned giving vehicles and their benefits to donors; comprehensive campaign experience, and a record of successful collaboration with high level staff, trustees, officers, administrators, and key volunteers.
• A strong track record of developing and implementing donor-centered stewardship initiatives that increase gift levels and donor participation strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of best practices in fundraising, donor stewardship, and advancement strategy. Experience with CRM systems, preferably Banner, Raiser's Edge) and data-driven decision-making.
• Collaboration with Advancement office colleagues regarding proposal strategy and development, major donor components of alumni and fundraising events, and event planning as required.
• Candidate should be a creative, results oriented individual with strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; deadline and detail oriented; possess strong planning and organizational abilities and enjoy the challenge of setting and meeting goals.
• Must be flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work well within a team and independently; capable of representing the University in a variety of settings with confidence and diplomacy.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for events and donor engagement. Ability to travel locally and nationally as required.
• Position requires the ability to exercise strong judgment, act in a principled, professional manner in working with sensitive, confidential information.
• A deep understanding of and commitment to the Catholic Liberal Arts mission of the University.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Four to five years of direct fund-raising experience, preferably in non-profit or higher education setting.