Senior Director of Advancement - College of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources

The University of Missouri Office of Advancement is hiring a Senior Director of Advancement to work as a member of the fundraising team for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. This position will work under the supervision and guidance of the Executive Director of Advancement and in close collaboration with the Dean, other advancement team members, and unit staff. This position will have the opportunity to:

 

·        Identify prospective individual donors, corporations, and foundations for major gifts ($50,000 and above) and initiate appropriate cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. This responsibility will be measured by individually based goals for proposals delivered and closed, number of substantive personal contacts and visits, and dollars raised.

·        With direction from the Executive Director of Advancement develop and implement an annual operating plan with monthly and quarterly activity and progress goals.

·        Attend CAFNR donor functions, central Advancement meetings and participate in prospect strategy meetings.

·        Participate in creating fundraising strategy and alumni/stakeholder engagement efforts within the College in conjunction with the Dean, CAFNR Advancement, Division Directors, and MU Advancement using the CAFNR Drive to Distinction strategic plan as a guidepost.

·        Positively represent the University of Missouri and the CAFNR at all times and assist with other fundraising projects as needed.

·        Perform required recordkeeping related to donor activities.

·        Must maintain valid driver’s license and wireless service in order to carry out responsibilities associated with this position.

·        Assist with other development projects as needed.

·        Participate in CAFNR and University Advancement staff meetings, prospect management and prospect strategy meetings, and University functions.  

 

 

·        Collaborator that has the ability to work, formally and informally, within one’s team and across the organization.

·        Effective communicator that has the ability to communicate ideas, thoughts, and facts orally and in writing and can actively listen and respond appropriately.

·        Excellent time manager with the ability to prioritize and coordinate tasks with attention to deadlines, concurrent management of projects and ability to create and follow a set strategy to goals and objectives.

·        Critical thinker that is able to analyze and evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.

·        Donor focused with the ability to learn and understand organizational relationships and dynamics and use them to achieve objectives and goals.

 

·        $2 Million Dollars Raised

·        15-18 Major Gift Proposals Presented ($50K and above)

·        7-15 Major Gifts Closed ($50K and above)

·        125-200 Substantive Written Communications (Email, Letter, or Text)

·        100 – 150 Substantive Visits (Phone, Virtual, or In-Person)

·        20-50 Evaluation Visits

 

 

·        A bachelor's degree

·        Five to seven years with progressively responsible fundraising and/or alumni and volunteer relations management is preferred, preferable in a development office setting.

·        The successful candidate will be able to document successful solicitation of major and principal gifts and present a history of supporting the building of an advancement program and fundraising performance.

·        Large university advancement experience will be highly valued.

·        Candidates must display a sophisticated understanding of the stages in the donor life cycle (cultivation/solicitation/closing/stewardship).

·        Campaign planning/execution and major gift solicitation experience is preferred.

·        This person must be capable of flourishing in a fast-paced, collaborative and fluid work environment focused on performance and outcomes.

·        Other important characteristics include a strong work ethic, personal integrity, emotional intelligence, excellent communication and organizational skills, strategic thinking and planning skills, and a commitment to the mission and values of the University of Missouri.

·        Strong organizational skills are required, exemplary interpersonal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to favorably affect sophisticated volunteers and donors.

·        Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is also required.