Director Of Development Jobs

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

The division of Institutional Advancement at Lenoir-Rhyne University has significantly grown the fundraising activity over the past five years and are investing in themselves to build on this significant momentum. Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Advancement Office is dedicated to building strong, lasting relationships with the institution’s various constituencies, as well as to broadening the university’s base of support and securing financial resources.

The newly added Director of Development is an active member of the major gifts team within Institutional Advancement and will play a critical role in helping the university meet its fundraising goals while advancing its strategic direction as outlined by the Board of Trustees and President. This key position offers a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious and transformational campaign. The Director of Development is responsible for the qualification, cultivation solicitation and stewardship of Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni, families and friends capable of making $50,000 or more leadership gifts. The Director of Development carries their own highly rated major and principal gift portfolio of approximately 150 individuals and will work with the Assistant Vice President for Development to ensure maximum success of the university’s fundraising priorities and upcoming comprehensive campaign. A highly visible representative of the university, the Director of Development must have a deep appreciation for the liberal arts experience and a strong personal commitment to Lenoir-Rhyne’s values, with a comprehensive understanding of best practices for major and principal gift engagement. The Director of Development will regularly travel to build relationships with donors, prospects and volunteers.

Essential Accountabilities

• Maintain precise records of donor contact through Lenoir-Rhyne’s donor database system and prepare timely call reports.
• Participate in on and off-campus events and programs supporting development activities to move solicitations forward.
• Participate in professional development training by the university, the Office of Institutional Advancement, and professional associations to enhance expertise and skills.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward a prospect pool of approximately 150 highly rated individuals, focusing on securing five, six, and seven-figure gifts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Form collaborative team partnerships with other development staff members and cross-campus peers to maximize fundraising productivity.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s strategic priorities and goals.
• Build and expand Lenoir-Rhyne University’s major and principal prospect pool by conducting a minimum of 120 face-to-face meetings during the fiscal year; identify strategies and opportunities to align Lenoir-Rhyne alumni, families and friends with university priorities.

Qualifications

• Talent to manage multiple projects and priorities while working within deadlines to achieve ambitious goals.
• Professional conduct and appropriate handling of confidential information are required.
• Outstanding personal character and excellent listening, oral, written and interpersonal skills.
• Appreciation of Lenoir-Rhyne’s mission and the ability to communicate it effectively.
• Organizational and time management skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Be proficient in navigating and using Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, RE/NXT.
• Extensive teamwork skills and experience collaborating in diverse communities to leverage activities, initiatives and programs for multiple purposes.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Willingness to travel and to work hours outside the normal working day (i.e., nights and weekends)
• Four (4) or more years of fundraising or related experience; demonstrated success in making direct solicitations, preferred.

Education And Experience Requirement

• Experience cultivating, soliciting, securing and documenting major and planned and estate gifts.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft 365 and Excel).
• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Experience in direct and varied areas of development or alumni relations, preferably in a higher education non-profit setting.

Physical Requirements

• Fully vaccinated and boosted.
• Ability to travel to on and off-campus events.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Work Schedule

• Standard office hours Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand.

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect and kindness.
• Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards and values, and comply with all federal, state and local laws.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
• Maintain high integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards.

Position type: Staff

Reports to: Assistant Vice President of Development

Department: Office of Institutional Advancement

FLSA classification: Exempt, Salaried

Position requirements in the role description outlined above indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list for the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove or waive the responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

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