Advancement - Executive Director of Development

Cedarville University invites applications for the Executive Director of Development who will effectively implement strategies and processes for best practice fundraising and stewardship of donors at all levels. This position supervises all director-level positions in the development department. Responsibilities also include managing a relationship portfolio of 75–100 major gift donors or prospects and oversight of all development strategies. This position works closely with the Director of Research and Reporting to design robust major gift, annual giving, and gift planning portfolios and establish appropriate performance metrics for relationship managers.
This is an on-site, full-time, exempt staff position reporting to the Vice President for Advancement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION
Administration and Supervision (35%)

Engage with other division leaders as a member of the Advancement Round Table
Supervise all aspects of the University’s donor solicitation program including annual giving, mid-tier and major gifts, women’s philanthropy, and gift planning
Collaborate with campus partners, providing processes and best practices for development efforts within schools and departments
Collaborate with other members of the Advancement team to develop overall strategies for scholarships, endowment, gift planning, athletic, and academic fundraising initiatives
Lead and participate in quarterly dynamic portfolio reviews
Train, motivate, and evaluate direct reports

Relationship Management and Solicitation (55%)

Manage relationships with an assigned portfolio of approximately 75–100 donor prospects who have demonstrated capacity to make gifts of $10,000 or more annually
Responsible for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding each relationship according to established performance standards and metrics, including total number of contacts, visits, and funds raised in a fiscal year
Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle:

Assist in the identification of major gift prospects
Qualify major gift prospects through personal contacts and visits
Draw prospects into a strong relationship with the University by connecting with their philanthropic interests and natural partners
Create and implement short-term, intermediate, and long-term solicitation plans for all primary donor assignments
Maintain stewardship contacts with donors to enhance giving satisfaction

Work collaboratively with University staff, faculty, and leadership to effectively cultivate and steward donor relationships, applying sound strategy, humility, and grace
Identify and facilitate strategic opportunities for prospects to interact with University leaders, including the President, Chancellor, board members, and administrators
Represent the University at donor, community, and alumni events as necessary

Monitoring and Reporting (10%)

Document activity according to departmental standards
Attend regular Advancement staff and organization-wide meetings
Maintain consistent office presence in between travel for the purpose of building community and facilitating effective communication

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Seven to ten years of successful experience in development or related field required
Three years of supervisory experience preferred
Campaign experience, preferably in higher education, preferred
Expertise in the following is required:

Interpersonal, written, and verbal communication
Strategic planning
Data analysis
Team leadership and dynamics

Possession of valid driver’s license and ability to comply with University vehicle-use requirements
Willingness and ability to travel