Director of Advancement - Shaheen College of Arts & Sciences - University of Indianapolis

Job Description

The Director of Advancement is responsible for securing major gifts of $25,000 in support of the strategic needs of the University, specifically the Shaheen College of Arts and Sciences.  This person will collaborate with numerous internal and external stakeholders, including the assigned Dean and/or faculty member(s) of their respective unit.  This person is responsible for implementing fundraising strategies as it relates to major gifts including identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects with a focus on fostering positive, professional and ongoing relationships with high capacity and emerging major gift donors.
 

REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2 – 5 years face to face fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing gifts.
• Bachelor's degree required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, including the demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and speak before groups.
• Knowledge of finance, planned giving, alumni engagement, corporate relations and advancement communications preferred.
• Ability to travel across the United States as needed.
• Valid Driver’s Licensce

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and execute a plan to connect donors to the University through the active use of the development process, including solicitation of major gifts, working closely with the Associate Vice President of Advancement, Vice President of Advancement, the Office of Advancement staff and other university faculty and staff.
• Responsible for securing major gifts aimed at meeting the strategic goals of the University of Indianapolis, its programs, disciplines and the University, with an expectation of raising a minimum of $1M gifts annually.
• Responsible for securing a minimum of 120 visits annually with donors and prospects with a minimum of 50 visits to be discovery visits.
• Identify and establish personal contact with current and prospective major gift donors whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of strategically meeting the University fundraising goals, in consultation with the Associate Vice President of Advancement.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.
• Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. 
• Collaborate with appropriate advancement and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships.
• Set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts.
• Solicit prospects for gifts in support of the University’s strategic plan and fundraising priorities.
• Host or co-host receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
• Provide stewardship of gifts including coordinating recognition events, dedications, and working with the Office of Advancement on appropriate recognition.
• Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of the University relating to faculty, students, instruction and research.
• Continually improve professional competency through training and participation in and/or leadership in professional, organizational and other not-for-profit organizations.
• Serve as a role model and mentor to Associate Director of Development.
• Follow the guidance and direction of supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
• Abide by the University’s policies, procedures, and rules.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.

COMPETENCIES/OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

To perform the job successfully, an individual will demonstrate the following:

• Ability to interpret and articulate the mission of the University of Indianapolis as needed.
• Must be able to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to use good judgment, maintain confidentiality and represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times required.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team required.
• Excellent relationship building, organizational skills, and time management skills required.
• Knowledge of and mandatory use of all CRM programs operated by the Office of Advancement.

Company Description

UIndy's Shaheen College of Arts and Sciences offers a comprehensive and diverse array of programs in the humanities, sciences, and fine and performing arts. The college emphasizes a strong liberal arts education, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills. Students can engage in a wide range of academic disciplines, including but not limited to, Anthropology and Archeology, English, History, Philosophy and Religion, Biology, Chemistry, Music, and Theater. In adapting to the needs of a 21st century workforce, these programs not only prepare students in specific areas, but provide a broad exposure to other areas to produce versatile graduates. Our alumni thrive after graduation, more prepared for life after college than most of their peers.

Become a Greyhound! The University of Indianapolis is a private, liberal arts university and home to a close-knit community of more than 700 faculty and staff supporting 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students on our main campus.  We offer an inclusive work environment where your individual contributions will be recognized and rewarded and the University’s motto, “Education for Service,” provides the foundation for all our work.   

Situated on 65 acres in the University Heights neighborhood and just minutes from downtown Indianapolis, UIndy’s campus is close to all of the cultural, shopping, sports, and recreational amenities you’d expect in the 13th-largest city in the United States.  Want to cheer on your Hounds when they play their rivals in the Great Lakes Valley Conference?  UIndy employees and their families enjoy free admission to home sporting events, and many arts and cultural events on campus are free for employees as well.  The University is proud to offer a competitive total rewards package, including a generous time off policy, ensuring you can enjoy your time outside of work as you wish.

If you’re interested in joining our dynamic environment and experiencing hard work, creativity, and teamwork, we welcome your application.

The University of Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University of Indianapolis does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission as required by Title IX.
 

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Discount
• Retirement Savings Plan - 403B
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time Accruals
• Paid Holiday time and additional University days off
• Employee Discounts & Services
• Free Parking
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center

For more information about the benefits of being a staff member at UIndy, visit our Benefits site.