Assistant Director of Development, MU

The Assistant Director of Development will play a critical role in the direct, frontline solicitation of leadership gifts to advance the mission of Miami University. This Gift Officer will plan, organize and implement strategies to secure increased leadership giving support for Miami University. Responsibilities will include meeting with university prospects and individual donors, cultivating relationships, soliciting philanthropic gifts and managing a portfolio of prospects.

Job Description

The Division of University Advancement at Miami University is looking for new team members who want to make an impact on the lives and experiences of our students through 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 coupled with a nationally recognized excellence in undergraduate education, there is a significant opportunity to increase support from alumni, friends, and partners. Everyone on our team plays a part in achieving this goal.

The Assistant Director of Development will play a critical role in the direct, frontline solicitation of leadership gifts to advance the mission of Miami University. This Gift Officer will plan, organize and implement strategies to secure increased leadership giving support for Miami University. Responsibilities will include meeting with university prospects and individual donors, cultivating relationships, soliciting philanthropic gifts and managing a portfolio of prospects.

In alignment with Miami University’s statement on Diversity and Inclusion, University Advancement is committed to and fully embraces the philosophy and belief that a diverse community is among an institution's greatest strengths. The Division of University Advancement is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all people feel safe, valued, and respected. To view our full statement including our specific commitments, please visit our website: miamialum.org/DEI_statement.

Duties/Physical Demands:

• Develop and manage a fundraising portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects capable of making current or deferred philanthropic commitments of at least $10,000 - $50,000 to Miami University. Work independently and collaboratively on prospect strategies to ensure identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship are done in a timely manner. Achieve specific and measurable annual metrics related to donor visits, solicitations, gift closures and total dollars raised.
• Communicate with, visit, engage, and qualify the philanthropic interests of potential donors that results in donor retention, reactivation, pipeline development, and upgraded gifts.
• Coordinate with university development professionals on donor strategies and development initiatives with the support of University Advancement Services, Office of Development staff, faculty and administrators. Provide regular reports on progress and results of prospect management including the timely submission of contacts reports.
• Build a comprehensive understanding of Miami University priorities and make a written and oral case for support to match prospects’ interests and passions to university needs. Prepare and present departmental and divisional proposals to alumni and friends with the input and assistance of 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.
• Encourage and coordinate involvement of alumni and friends through campus visits and regional events.
• Serve as a model of collaboration on the National Development Team within Miami University Advancement. Perform other duties related to the mission of the Office of Development under the guidance of the Senior Director of Development and the Senior Associate Vice President of University Advancement.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of one year of related work experience (volunteer work may be counted towards this requirement)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to collaborative approach to fundraising
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to travel both on a regional and national level    

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Work experience in a financial, fundraising or sales setting
• Experience in an educational setting.