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Director of Development - Major Gifts
Apply now Job no: 493223
Work type: Full-time
Location: Chester
Categories: Administrators
Widener University is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Director of Development for Major Gifts to join the University Advancement team. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, this important role is crucial for advancing the University’s mission.
The Director is responsible for cultivating meaningful relationships with potential and current major gift level donors ($25,000 +) to support the strategic goals and mission of the University, including the Delaware Law School (DLS). The Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, and be responsible for facilitating all phases of the gift cycle, including initiating contact, cultivating potential donors, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors.
This position will be based on the Chester, PA campus and will require travel for donor visits and will also support University-wide programming and special events. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential duties:
Major Gift Strategy and Execution: Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with potential donors, alumni, and other key stakeholders to support fundraising efforts.
Gift Solicitation: Develop a strategic pipeline of major gift solicitations from assigned prospects through personalized proposals.
Donor Stewardship: Ensure high-quality stewardship and recognition programs to engage and retain major gift donors.
Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the Dean, faculty, and development and alumni engagement team to align fundraising efforts with the Law School’s strategic priorities.
Event Management: Plan and execute donor cultivation events and activities that advance major gift prospects.
Reporting and Analytics: Track and report on major gift activities and progress towards goals using CRM systems and other tools.
Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives and impact stories that resonate with potential donors.
Secondary responsibilities:
* Support University-wide signature events including: Homecoming, Day of Giving, Commencement
* Attend University Advancement full staff meetings
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
* Bachelor’s degree required
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, higher education or a related field.
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
* Strong project management skills.
* Excellent organizational skills.
* Proficient in the use of CRM systems and other fundraising tools.
* Valid Driver’s License and access to a car.
Preferred:
* Fundraising experience in a law school environment
* Strong presentation skills
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
* Ability to travel
* Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
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