Regional Advancement Director

Job Summary:

The Regional Advancement Director is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies for the solicitation of major gifts ($25,000+), including outright and planned estate gifts in support of EMU and its justice and peacebuilding initiatives as exemplified by the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) and other EMU programs. Manage a portfolio of 150-200 donors and prospects in support of EMU’s comprehensive campaigns. The Director will work collaboratively with other advancement colleagues, the alumni engagement office, vice president for advancement, CJP faculty and staff to achieve fundraising goals for CJP and the university as a whole. The Director will facilitate key constituent gatherings as well as regular communications targeted to CJP donors, alumni and friends.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop an annual plan for the cultivation and solicitation of a portfolio of 150-200 major gift donors and prospects interested in supporting the full scope of EMU’s programs including justice and peacebuilding initiatives.
• Stay abreast of EMU’s justice and peacebuilding programs and initiatives including periodic interaction with CJP faculty and staff to garner program updates.   Implement regular CJP-focused communications (newsletters, e-zines, reports, etc.) to keep CJP donors and Advancement team members informed of CJP news and progress in achieving justice and peacebuilding goals across the university.
• Utilizing information from Advancement department prospect research, including electronic screening data and donor giving histories, as well as information from face-to-face visits, continually prioritize contacts and time allocation to focus on generating the greatest potential outcomes in philanthropic investment in EMU and its programs.  
• Develop an annual plan of action for each major gift donor and prospect in the assigned portfolio that includes a timetable with specific dates for cultivation actions, involvement and solicitations, attendance at events and appropriate gift acknowledgment and stewardship.  Include desired and necessary involvement from the President, VP for Advancement, faculty, other institutional representatives, board members and other key volunteers.
• Maintain a timetable, checklist and reporting system which show the current “move” for each prospect, the last action, and the projected next step.
• Record in the donor management system, the completed action steps, moves and activities with each donor and prospect in the assigned portfolio as they occur, for future reference and strategy development.  
• Develop and help carry out appropriate recognition and stewardship activities for major donors in assigned portfolio.
• Remain informed about trends in philanthropy, tax-wise giving, and estate planning through personal reading and occasionally attending relevant seminars.
• Assist with the successful implementation of institutional Advancement events, including donor events, as well as Homecoming, reunions, that can be utilized for cultivation and/or stewardship activities for prospects and donors.
• Conduct activities within budget and guidelines with responsibility for budget preparation and spending of approved funds in keeping with university policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and analyze information for effective decision making.
• Ability to organize. 
• Attention to detail for accurately preparing and maintaining accurate records, correspondence, and coordinate information.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deal effectively with a variety of situations and constituents.
• Ability to take initiative, set goals, prioritize and organize job tasks and workload in order to meet deadlines, ability to complete work in a timely manner and communicate progress routinely.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, critically, and creatively.
• Ability to use a PC and software such as, Microsoft Office and Google.
• Ability to use Advancement data systems.
• Ability to operate commonly used office equipment such as a copy machine, fax, phone, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a wide variety of constituents.
• Ability to build relationships that balance the multiple, varying, and sometimes conflicting interest of diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and materials.
• Demonstrated commitment to high standards of customer service.
• Ability to visit donors which may require overnight travel.
• Ability to frequently work hours outside of the normal work schedule, such as evenings and weekends.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in related field, and a minimum of 5 years of experience in a fundraising, planned giving, finance, wealth management, or sales position, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

Experience in a non-profit or higher education environment is preferred. Master’s degree preferred.