Director of Development

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Building Renovation, Business Strategy, Communication Skills, Contact Management, Donor Development, Driver's License, Foundation Grants, Grant Administration/Management, Grant Writing, Sales Prospecting, Scholarship, Set Goals, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Jackson, MS
POSTED
9 days ago

Director of Development

Location

JSU Main Campus, MS

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

4541

College/Division

Institutional Advancement

Opening Date

06/04/2026

  • Description
  • Benefits

Description

The Division of Institutional Advancement is accepting applications for three Director of Development.

Examples of Duties

  • As a part of "Moves Management System," prepare and implement strategic plans for approximately 120-150 targeted prospects to cultivate and solicit them for major gifts to fund University priorities.

  • Meet annual goals for new prospects identified, contacts ("moves"), number of asks, number of closures, and dollars raised.

  • Document all development activities for accountability and assessment.

  • Focus on securing support for assigned university area or if central, for a set of campus-wide priorities that include the five academic colleges, administrative units, and or centers including, support for endowed chairs, scholarships, unrestricted support, facility renovations, and campus improvements.

  • Prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundation and corporation sources within the divisional guidelines.

  • Maintain stewardship contacts with donors; adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to needs of the donors.

  • Offer prospect strategy counsel to others who are managing prospects (i.e., colleges, schools, departments, etc.).

  • Be a resource for development/advancement staff, from identifying potential volunteer connections to knowing about meeting and event spaces in key locations.

  • Work collaboratively with deans, faculty, development colleagues and internal and external constituents.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the AVP for development.

Typical Qualifications

  • A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.

  • Three to five years of fundraising experience is preferred.

  • Experience in higher education fundraising desirable.

  • Ability to travel extensively (approximately 60-70 percent of time), and possess a valid driver's license.

  • Ability to work effectively with top level prospects and have a high degree of professionalism and personal motivation.

  • Be knowledgeable of gift planning techniques to advise donors and prospects on available giving options, techniques, and their tax implications.

  • Ability to develop strategic plans, set goals, and be able to accomplish them as part of an organizational strategic plan.

  • Have effective communication skills (writing and speaking) to make individual and group presentations to prospective donors.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Employer Jackson State University (MS)

Address 1400 John R. Lynch Street

P.O. Box 17028

Jackson, Mississippi, 39217

Phone (601) 979-2015

Website https://www.jsums.edu/humanresources/

About the Company

J

Jackson State University