Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives at InsideHigherEd

Job Description Summary

The Senior Director of Development for University Initiatives will advance the mission of Miami University by planning, organizing, and implementing strategies to increase the level of personal engagement and financial commitment of alumni and friends. As a member of the Central Programs Team, the Senior Director of Development will have a particular emphasis on securing philanthropic and volunteer support for the University and its priorities. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President of Development, National Team.

Job Description

The Division of University Advancement at Miami University is seeking a self-starting, driven team member who is passionate about making an impact on the lives and experiences of Miami students through the power of philanthropy. Miami University is a public university founded in 1809 with over 200,000 alumni and 20,000 enrolled students. With its close proximity to the city of Cincinnati, a nationally recognized excellence in undergraduate education, and a tremendously loyal alumni base, there is a significant opportunity to increase support from alumni, friends, and partners as Miami embarks on the most ambitious campaign in university history. The Division of University Advancement is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all people feel safe, valued, and respected.

The Senior Director of Development for University Initiatives will advance the mission of Miami University by planning, organizing, and implementing strategies to increase the level of personal engagement and financial commitment of alumni and friends. As a member of the Central Programs Team, The Senior Director of Development will have a particular emphasis on securing philanthropic and volunteer support for the University and its priorities. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President of Development, National Team.

Miami University recognizes that technology enables us to find new ways of providing first class service and workplace flexibility. This position is approved for remote work on a hybrid basis, following a successful period of six (6) months of employment. Remote work is a working arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason.

Duties: The Senior Director of Development for University Initiatives will have the following specific duties:

• Implement and direct fundraising strategies for university-wide initiatives in response to the goals and initiatives established by the Division of University Advancement. This will include, but is not limited to, developing and executing fundraising priorities that advance the goals of the Thrive Strategic Plan, Honors College, Myaamia Center, and other priority areas identified by Advancement. 

• Work closely with the Dean of the Honors College, Myaamia Center leadership, and other university leaders, faculty and staff in developing prospects and donor relationships.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni and friends of Miami University for major gifts in support of the programs and divisions of the university. Build and manage a portfolio of prospective donors.

• Prepare and present solicitation proposals of $50,000 and above to alumni and friends with the input and assistance from constituent development officers representing Miami's various colleges and units as well as faculty, staff, administrators and deans. Proposals may involve tax planning, gifts of real estate, personal property, securities, and gifts in wills, trusts, annuities and insurance.

• Recruit and staff volunteers and volunteer committees for events, programs and campaigns held in the Cincinnati region. Encourage and coordinate involvement of alumni and friends through campus visits and events.

• The Senior Director of Development will have the opportunity to hire an Associate Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum of eight years of experience in fundraising, sales, business development, and/or comparable work experience.

• Demonstrated level of leadership and management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree

• Experience working in an educational setting

• Experience working with a donor database system

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability and willingness to travel

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work with little day to day supervision

Required Application Documents

To be considered for this position please upload a resume and cover letter.