Director of Development

Job Details

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Director of Development.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY: The Office of University Advancement is a welcoming office where inclusiveness and teamwork are highly valued. Advancement staff are engaged in the meaningful work of securing private financial resources to fuel Fort Valley State University's mission by creating gratifying gift and engagement experiences for generous and passionate alumni and friends. The division coordinates fundraising efforts across campus, including Band and Athletics. Through collaboration, the Office of Advancement can achieve significant fundraising goals by inspiring stakeholders to invest their time and resources in Fort Valley State University. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

The Director of Development reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and has primary responsibility for planning and implementing a major gift fundraising program for his/her assigned prospects. This position will work with the vice president to prepare a comprehensive plan that outlines the fundraising strategy. Travel is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads fundraising activity required for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, closing, and stewardship of donors and prospects, emphasizing those that have given or are capable of giving $10,000+; organizes special events; develops recognition opportunities and manages planned giving.
• Develop and implement short and long-range goals to maximize private support from individuals, corporations, grants, foundations and capital campaigns for university wide initiatives.
• Collaborate with FVSU leaders and stakeholders to link donors' passions with FVSU priorities, foster a culture of philanthropy and ensure a gratifying gift and/or engagement experience.
• Utilizes CRM and advancement resources to provide regular progress reports on gifts and complete contacts/proposals in a timely manner.
• Guides and manages appropriate volunteers in support of assigned areas of responsibility to assist with various initiatives, including Foundation Board members.
• Travel to key markets to engage prospects and donors.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required.
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in fundraising/development/sales with an emphasis on major and principal gifts.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Demonstrated success with cultivating, soliciting, and closing five-figure and six-figure gifts from alumni, parents, friends, and corporations. Strong interpersonal skills. Capable of working as part of a team with multiple stakeholders, as well as independently. Excellent writing, editing, and story development abilities. Proficiency in a wide range of digital platforms including websites, social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and design software; willingness to adopt new technologies. Up to date on industry trends and able to stay ahead of the curve. Great multitasker, excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to meet deadlines and managing multiple projects with different deadlines. Able to think analytically and strategically. Experience in micro and capital campaign fundraising planning and implementation. Demonstrated experience staffing dean's councils, advisory boards and committees. Demonstrated professional maturity, competency, and skilled problem-solving. Ability to position Deans and stakeholders to maximize her/his potential as a fundraiser. Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required. Supervisory experience.