Description:
Director of Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations
College of Arts & Sciences
University Advancement
The College of Arts & Sciences connects one of the most diverse groups of students in the nation with top-notch faculty, exceptional facilities and all the opportunities of a global city. Students with majors in one of our 23 departments and institutes work with expert scholars, researchers, and scientists to develop strong research, communication, and critical thinking skills. Students learn to apply their skills in the classrooms, laboratories, and libraries of a major research institution and in the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors surrounding our campus in the heart of Atlanta.
As the largest college on the Atlanta Campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is home to more than 15,000 students, 550 faculty, and 300 staff members. Our faculty teach the core curriculum courses that serve as the foundation of nearly every student’s university education.
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT works to further Georgia State’s status as a national leader in student success, research and innovation, and cultural impact. By connecting with alumni, engaging donors, and increasing philanthropic support for students and scholars, we’re helping to transform lives and build our global community. The University Advancement Division furthers the university and its mission through several departments, including Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Alumni Relations, and the Georgia State University Foundation (GSUF).
HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO
The ideal candidate for this position will be reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR), College of Arts & Sciences, manages an active portfolio of 25-50 organizational donors across the college’s 22 academic units and 17 research centers. This individual will solicit, close, and steward gifts of $25,000 and above and will solicit gifts of $100,000+ as a significant portion of the portfolio. Additionally, they will collaborate with senior administration and faculty to secure and steward gifts of $500,000 and above, including six-and-seven figure gifts to the university.
The Director will also work in collaboration with the Dean’s Office, the AVP, Advancement for the College of Arts & Sciences, and the AVP of CFR to ensure an effective fundraising strategy for organizational donors to the university; with departments/units, including the Creative Media Industries Institute and Department of Computer Science, to solicit and steward organizational gifts and grants; with Development Directors and faculty to increase their success in the solicitation of corporate and foundation partners, and to help colleagues build portfolios of promising prospects.
Responsibilities:
- Develops and executes strategies for effective cultivation of prospects in the mid-to-high level portfolio of 25-50 prospects, with a focus on 6 and 7-figure gifts.
- Identifies new corporate and foundation prospects on an ongoing basis. Manages stewardship and solicitation cycle for 5 or more top CFR donors, including key new relationships.
- Works independently and demonstrates excellent judgment in working with the university’s valued prospects and donors assigned to CFR. Engages prospects in priority programs and capital plans with the goal of funding participation. Travels to meet donors when needed.
- Works collaboratively with multiple units across campus and the college to ensure streamlined interactions with corporations and foundations. Units include: Dean’s Office, College of Arts & Sciences, University Career Services, VP for Research and Economic Development, and leadership in the Creative Media Industries Institute and Department of Computer Science.
- Works collaboratively with all Development staff, including Directors of Development, AVPs for Development, and the VP for Development, Donor Engagement & Communications, Development Research, and Donor Relations to meet the goals of the Division.
- Assists AVP of CFR with developing and implementing new and improved policies and procedures for the CFR office. Policies may have cross-campus implications and must be carefully vetted to ensure success and senior leadership buy-in.
- Provides guidance to CFR grants manager, as well as to Directors of Development, staff, and faculty with less familiarity with CFR fundraising best practices and GSU policies.
- Undertakes special projects and may serve in a lead role on certain teams.
Disclaimer:
This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties.
As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion the employee’s direct supervisor.
Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in face-to-face solicitation of gifts of $25,000 or more; or a combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3-5 years of corporate and foundation related fundraising experience.
- Advanced grant-writing skills and experience
- Experience in higher education and/or nonprofit organization
- Flexible approach to managing complex relationships with multiple points of contact across a large organization.
- Entrepreneurial spirit, positive attitude, and energy to implement new strategies and meet ambitious goals.
- Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
- Strong negotiation and closing skills.