Director of Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy

Agency: East Texas A&M University

Department: Advancement

Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate

Job Location: Commerce, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Job Description:

The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) is a frontline fundraising position, responsible for managing a portfolio of 70-90 major and planned giving prospects and current donors. The primary focus of this position will be to identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with alumni and friends to actively solicit major outright and deferred gifts to the University, its colleges, and priority programs, in alignment with the University's and Division's strategic plans. The DOP will develop, coordinate, and maintain comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Further, the DOP will work closely with deans, board members, philanthropy operations, and other faculty and staff to promote and grow a robust culture of philanthropy to meet the financial goals of the institution.

ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major and planned gift donors and prospects in collaboration with the Director(s) of Philanthropy, deans, faculty, and Philanthropy and Engagement team.
• Builds, maintains, and strengthens positive relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations within and external to, the University community.
• Tenaciously and proactively pursues major and planned gift fundraising initiatives and ensures and executes appropriate recognition and stewardship.
• In collaboration with philanthropy operations, performs research regarding individuals' giving capacity, interests, and giving history.
• Updates actions, visits, opportunities, communication, and moves management in Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Collaborates with faculty and other campus partners to assist in the research and development of appropriate fundraising proposals.
• Serves as a liaison to assigned College(s) or program area(s) ensuring that colleagues are aware of key fundraising and engagement opportunities and priorities.
• Achieves performance goals outlined in the division strategic plan and by the Vice President for Philanthropy & Engagement.
• Regularly attends and participates in community and university-wide functions and alumni events.
• Regularly attends and participates in division meetings and retreats.
• Maintains a professional development and training schedule in appropriate areas including fundraising, operations (annual Raiser's Edge training), and others as identified or needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience. Demonstrated relationship management experience and success in planned or major gift fundraising or related environment.

Preferred Education / Skills/ Experience:

• Master's degree preferred.
• Raiser's Edge NXT experience preferred.
• Joy of philanthropy and donor-centered mindset.
• Higher education fundraising experience. Capital campaign experience. Gift planning, corporate, or foundation fundraising experience.
• Bilingual.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: CFRE, Philanthropy, or Blackbaud certifications.

Supervision of Others:

None

Why Work at East Texas A&M University?

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance:

• Employee tuition assistance for master's and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

Career Growth & Development:

• Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence:

• ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
• Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
• First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
• Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

• Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.

Vibrant Campus Life:

• Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.

Prime Location & Growth:

• Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.