Director of Development for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The Director of Development for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is primarily responsible for developing and executing the major gift strategy for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM). In conjunction with the Dean of NSM, the Director of Development will focus on achieving philanthropic attainment goals, expanding the NSM donor base, and increasing the awareness of the College’s areas of excellence: astronomy and astrophysics, cell architecture and dynamics, renewable energy, and water quality. This individual will serve as the primary fundraiser for NSM-related initiatives and support the work of the faculty and staff as well as the University facilities that house NSM-related research, including the Lake Erie Center, Ritter Planetarium, Stranahan Arboretum, Wetlands at the Center for Alumni and Donor Engagement, and the Wright Center for Photovoltaic Innovation and Commercialization. The individual in this position will also support regional discovery work in Detroit/Ann Arbor and Columbus. This position may require additional travel on an infrequent basis, as the portfolio requires.

Specific Duties:

• Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for a portfolio of prospects and donors. Build and manage a network of relationships with prospective donors involving University administrators, College and program leadership, and faculty. Facilitate and coordinate all communication with these prospects and among the prospects' campus relationships. Promote positive relationships with these prospects and donors.
• May supervise and provide direction to assigned Assistant Director(s) of Development.
• Leads and directs (often in concert with others) gift solicitations to fund University programs and enhance the university's development efforts.
• Evaluate various gift opportunities and giving vehicles and recommend the most suitable for a particular donor.
• Participates in key events and other opportunities focused on cultivating relationships with donors, prospects, and other stakeholders.
• Interact with internal contacts such as Deans, Department Chairs, Directors, Faculty, Officers, and other Development staff to consult on University needs, formulate strategies to promote prospective engagement with the University, and identify potential donors.
• Assist with the strategy for and creation of written communications from various University administrators appropriate to a donor’s interests.
• Prepare the dean, other administrators, or volunteers for development activities.
• Travel commensurate with standard expectations for fundraising activity and contact to reach donors and prospects locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Performs additional development-related activities/efforts at the manager's request.
• May perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ professional fundraising experience including cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the importance of University Development activities to maintaining lasting and positive donor relations.
• Experience in higher education fundraising preferred.