Director Major Gifts, College of Arts & Sciences

Director Major Gifts, College of Arts & Sciences

University Advancement

Full Time/Exempt

The College of Arts & Sciences is the educational core of Jacksonville University,generating the largest number of graduates of all of the University’s professionalschools and promoting a complete experience for all JU students. The College of Arts& Sciences provides students with meaningful internships, impactful faculty-studentresearch, and rewarding service-learning and study abroad opportunities in the disciplinesof the natural sciences, social sciences, education, and mathematics.

This Director will also oversee fundraising related to Jacksonville University’s unique,interdisciplinary learning communities, the Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI)and the Public Policy Institute (PPI).

This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraiser to join the growingUniversity Advancement department and forge new relationships across disciplines onbehalf of the University and its transformative fundraising campaign.

The Director of Major Gifts will work on a daily basis with the Dean of the Collegeto support the overall major gift efforts of Jacksonville University. The Directorwill serve as the University Advancement liaison to the College of Arts & Sciences,as well as the Marine Science Research Institute and Public Policy Institute, withmajor gift support provided to the other Colleges or Institutes within the Universityas needed. Reporting to the Vice President, Advancement and Associate Vice Presidentof Development, this position will also work closely with College and Institute leadershipto develop donor strategy and build relationships.

• Serve as the primary manager for a portfolio of at minimum 150 prospects, moving potentialdonors in an appropriate and timely fashion from identification, cultivation, solicitationand to closure of gifts of $25,000 and up.
• Develop a compelling case for support encompassing the wide array of elements thatprovide an outstanding education, such as capital, operational, scholarly, curricular,and co-circular funding opportunities as well as faculty support, scholarships, andfinancial aid.
• Recommend and implement short, intermediate and long-term individual major gifts cultivationand solicitation strategies for individual prospects (e.g. University alumni, parents,trustees, friends of the University, current students, board members, faculty andstaff), working with administration, faculty, board members, volunteers (as appropriate)to identify and engage new prospects for purposes of meeting fundraising goals.
• Identify prospects, engage in personal outreach, all necessary travel, and oversightof gift closure process, meeting metrics that include an expectation of at minimum100-125 personal touchpoints/visits per year.
• Plan and implement events and activities (volunteer experiences, tours, receptions,friend-raisers, etc.) for individual major gift donors, using existing activitiesas appropriate; engage in networking activities or other opportunities to generatepotential prospects.
• Work closely with College, Institute, and University leadership to support and expandthe College of Arts & Sciences Advisory Board.
• Maintain basic knowledge of non-cash gifts, investments and other planned giving opportunities.
• Cultivate and expand planned giving opportunities with new and existing donors, andintegrate planned gift objectives into donor solicitations in collaboration with Advancementleadership.
• Represent the College of Arts & Sciences externally; participate with College leadership(when appropriate) in community and industry-related events.
• Work with Advancement Marketing and Communications to develop major gift materials(e.g. proposals, overviews and other informational and stewardship materials).
• Work with Advancement Services to request research and other information on alumni,parents, and friends to qualify interest and giving potential.
• Monitor weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual activity to achieve individual performancemeasures (e.g. meetings, proposals, major gift revenue).
• Assist administrators and faculty in the recognition and prioritization of institutionaland departmental funding needs, in particular for any assigned schools, departments,units or programs; keep abreast of institutional and departmental priorities, Universityprograms, personalities and events.
• Track and report relationship management activity using Raisers Edge constituentrelationship management system.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with other team members.
• This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills requiredfor this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilitiesto meet institutional needs.

Jacksonville University is seeking a proven fundraiser with a demonstrated track recordof accomplishments. The ideal candidate will possess the following: At least fiveyears of fundraising or nonprofit experience, preferably in a higher education setting.Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, including the ability to secure giftsof $25,000 or more. Experience developing and implementing successful fundraisingstrategies and plans. Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising and donor relations.Strong presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate the mission,vision, and priorities of the College and University objectives to various audiences.Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop compelling proposalsand other donorfacing materials. Ability to analyze and interpret data to inform fundraisingstrategies and plans. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, withthe ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals including alumni,faculty, staff, donors, and volunteers. Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to forgenew relationships on behalf of the College and the University. Strong familiaritywith fundraising software, preferably Raiser’s Edge.

• Six to eight years of fundraising or nonprofit experience, most of which is in a highereducation setting or transferable field
• Strong computer literacy skills and the ability to learn new software
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills requiredfor this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilitiesto meet organizational needs.

Interested applicants are asked to submit a copy of their resume, cover letter, andlist of references along with a completed JU application to Leslie Redd, Associate Vice President for Development, at

Howard Administration Building
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211