POSITION OBJECTIVE

The senior director of national development will have primary responsibility for the solicitation of individual gifts for Case Western Reserve University from its natural constituency and beyond ($100,000 to $5,000,000).  This position will be charged to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 150 to 200 prospects for the Weatherhead School of Management. This position will require that approximately 80 percent of their time be on direct face-to-face cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with the expectation that they will be fully responsible for all individual major gift activity within a specific program, school, or university priority. The senior director will assist in overseeing Weatherhead School of Management's national fundraising programs and will offer counsel in planning and implementing the school's fundraising campaign throughout the country. Functioning as part of a university development team, the incumbent will be expected to work collegially, and in partnership, with school-based colleagues. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewarding of gifts for a portfolio of 150 to 200 major gifts prospects, with a giving potential in the range of $100,000 to $5,000,000. Develop and implement strategic cultivation and solicitation strategies with the responsibility of raising private support and the achievement of personal fundraising goals. Plan major gift strategies in conjunction with senior staff. Travel throughout the United States will be required. (50%)
2. Build an on-going portfolio of major gift alumni and friends, volunteers, and alumni leadership. (15%)
3. Coordinate and participate in major gift solicitations by working closely with the executive director for development, associate dean for development and external relations, and other university and school development officers. (15%)
4. Identify, qualify, recruit, and train a core group of volunteers to assist with regional cultivation and solicitation activities. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist with the staffing of alumni events, run screening programs, and eventually provide staff support for regional volunteer leadership recruited to further Weatherhead’s overall and development goals. (5%)
2. Provide assistance with Weatherhead campaign and other funding priorities as determined by the associate dean for development and external relations. (5%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned by the executive director and associate dean of development and external relations. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with dean, associate/assistant deans, department chairs and directors.  Contact with faculty, students and staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Contact with the president’s office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, alumni, directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Daily contact with donors, alumni, foundation representatives, community organizers/advocates, corporate executives and federal, state and local government officials.  Contact with visitors, academic boards and organizations as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Contact with undergraduate, graduate and professional students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 or more years of professional experience required. Experience in higher education, including the areas of development, alumni relations, public relations or marketing preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. High degree of energy, creativity, organization and interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
2. Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
3. Ability to think strategically about donor philanthropic goals and developing pathways to meeting those goals.
4. Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
5. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
6. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment, some evening and weekend work hours will be required.  Extensive travel required at 40 to 50 percent.