Primary Function
This position works within the Gift Planning Team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual major gift prospects in key academic and programmatic areas. The primary responsibility is to obtain private major and planned gifts at the highest level. This position serves as the development officer for the inclusion and diversity advancement program with the responsibility for securing private and corporate philanthropic support for equity and inclusion diversity. This individual also supports the priorities identified by the university. While the highest priority is to generate charitable gift revenue, this position will focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 or more.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)
This position reports to the Executive Director of Advancement. While the highest priority is to generate charitable gift revenue, this position will focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 or more. This position will develop major gift fundraising initiatives in key programmatic areas and serve as a key member of the regional development staff in efforts to increase philanthropic support for the university.
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position
1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Three (3) years of experience with successful major gift solicitation.
3. Knowledge and experience in development and alumni relations fields.
4. Experience of emerging philanthropic markets (i.e., ethnic, LGBTQ, military veterans, young alumni).
5. Experience of diverse engagement strategies and philanthropic behaviors.
6. Experience engaging with diverse populations to develop a diverse philanthropic plan.
7. Demonstrated exceptional writing skills, strong oral communication with group presentation skills.
8. Demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.)
9. Demonstrably strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality. A high-level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential.
10. Familiarity with the "moves management" approach to major gift fundraising
11. Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
12. A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations arise.
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)
Education and Experience Preferred
1. Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a collegiate environment.
2. Advanced degree and/or professional designation (CFRE).
3. Capital campaign experience in higher education is highly desirable.
4. Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and familiarity with appropriate foundation fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.
5. Commitment to the ideals and culture of higher education.
6. A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity.
7. The ability to effectively work in a group/team environment to assist in intra-divisional initiatives.
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.
1. Ability and desire to engage in face to face relationship activities, primarily through the scheduling of one-on-one appointments with donor prospects who have never been engaged with NIU.
2. Ability and willingness to travel to meet donors and prospects in their homes and offices.
3. Business proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Access and Excel, including the tabulation of budget figures, creation of scenario planning tools and merging files; experience in enterprise systems for event and scheduling management.
4. Familiarity with fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.
5. Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
6. Excellent attention to detail.
7. Exceptional communication skills as there will be strong interactions with both internal and external constituents.
8. The ability to synthesize multiple sources of information.
9. Ability and willingness to travel, sometimes extensively; and to work extra hours, nights and weekends to ensure the job is done exceptionally well; Ability to work autonomously, as well as manage several constituents.
10. Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
11. The ability to think critically and strategically; capable of taking responsibility for specific goals within designated time frames. Capable of coordinating multi-task initiatives to successful conclusion.
12. A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations and conditions change, as well as a resilience with regard to the rigors of public higher education and the increasing pressure of resource constraints.
13. A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity.
