Job Description
This role secures major gifts in the $100,000 to $1,000,000 range for the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at American University with units like the Art Museum and Center for Israel Studies. It shapes fundraising plans to meet the Dean's academic needs while serving as a key member of the senior management team.
American University functions as a student-centered research institution featuring internationally renowned faculty and highly-ranked schools in Washington, DC.
Work involves prospect management using university tools, contacting assigned portfolios, conducting visits and solicitations, and meeting quotas like 15 solicitations yearly. Collaboration includes teams such as Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and Prospect Development for entrepreneurial identification. Supervision covers three fundraiser staff and Development Assistant, delegating tasks like publications and event plans. A constraint includes 24-month tenure to achieve $1,500,000 in commitments through ready and capacity indicators.
Salary ranges from $160,000 to $179,000 annually. Hybrid work mandates 3-4 days on-campus in Washington, DC. Full-time schedule covers 35 hours weekly plus occasional evenings and weekends. Travel totals 25-40% out-of-area. Perks feature 200% retirement match, tuition for staff and families, leadership certificates, and fit-friendly recognition by the American Heart Association.
Responsibilities
- Work major gift portfolios under guidelines, executing strategies on prospects
- Meet benchmarks for visits, contacts, and solicitations
- Develop fundraising strategies, schedules, and tactics for Dean's priorities
- Manage Constituency Advocacy Councils including strategy and solicitation
- Manage Development team of three Directors and Assistant
- Delegate tasks like publications and event designs
- Work with Annual Giving on direct marketing messages
- Ensure accuracy and alignment with priorities
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Support Vice President of Advancement objectives
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- 8 or more years of progressively responsible development experience
- At least 4 years in securing major gifts of $100,000+
- Supervisory experience
- Familiarity with Prospect Management System
- Computer literacy with MS Office and fundraising systems
- Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
- Master's degree preferred
- 8 to 10 years of relevant experience preferred