University Advancement manages the development of constituent relationships; building philanthropic support and engagement opportunities among University alumni, friends, parents of students, U.S. dioceses and other constituents. The division is primarily responsible for generating and increasing levels of private support for the University and its programs from all donor sources. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Advancement for the Columbus School of Law, the Director of Advancement will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects for the Law School. S/he will serve as a member of the Law School Advancement team within the division of University Advancement. His/her primary focus will be to solicit and close annual and major gifts for the benefit of the Columbus School of Law. This position will manage one staff member with Annual Fund gift solicitation responsibilities.
Serve as a liaison to Central Advancement for Columbus School of Law Advancement communications. Serve as a liaison to Central Advancement for Columbus School of Law Advancement Stewardship. Strategically plan and implement special events to attract, engage and steward donor prospects.
Build, grow, and manage a portfolio of approximately 120 major gift prospects based on new and past donors. Major gift prospects are defined as having the capacity to make a $50,000 commitment to the Columbus School of Law. Develop prospect strategies to support cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors. Strategies will privilege personal visits (at least 120 face-to face unique visits annually) as well as written communication such as proposals, letters and gifts agreements. The Director is expected to complete a minimum of 120 face-to face unique donor visits annually. Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Law Advancement to develop an annual work plan, consistent with prescribed practice in the Division of University Advancement. The work plan will include a personal fundraising goal, goals for number of new major gift prospects identified, number of major gift and annual fund solicitations and number of prospect visits sufficient to meet established fundraising targets. Collaborate with, and successfully guide academic partners through the major gift prospect development process; supporting them in building lasting and productive donor relationships. Prepare proposals, solicitation letters and other fundraising materials for prospects and donors. Manage the activities of one (1) staff member, the Asst. Director, Leadership Annual Giving for the Columbus School of Law.
Bachelor’s degree preferred, though may be substituted with relevant experience, and at least 4+ years of direct or transferable professional experience in major gift fundraising, or sales, or other related functions. Preference for experience that includes personal solicitations with a documented record of productivity.
The Director must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building relationships and closing gifts above $50,000. The successful candidate will possess the ability to work in an environment that puts a strong emphasis on metrics and success as well as the capability to work independently and as part of a team. He/she will have a demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a self-starter; manage projects; determine priorities and maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality. Excellent interpersonal and oral skills and demonstrated effective writing skills will be required as will strong organizational and analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple projects. Candidates meeting the above requirements who also have the ability and willingness to travel; work occasional evenings and weekend hours are encouraged to apply.
Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; familiarity with The Raiser’s Edge (alumni and donor database software) preferred but not necessary. Excellent proofreading and editing skills; strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills are essential; ability to prioritize work and familiarity with general office procedures.
Ability to work independently, under deadlines, without close supervision; self-direction in the initiation, coordination, and completion of tasks; acute attention to detail. Excellent relationship-building and volunteer engagement skills; ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies, including individuals of significant influence and affluence.
Possession of current and valid U.S. driver’s license appropriate to the type of university vehicle and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) as stipulated in the Vehicle Guidelines and Procedures Manual administered through the office of Environmental Health and Safety. Annual clearance of MVR check through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.