Director of Development - Regional Development Team

Director Of Development

We are seeking a Director of Development for the Regional Development Team within the University Relations division of Creighton University. This is an individual contributor role responsible for securing funds to support the students, faculty, programming, capital projects, and overall mission and philanthropic priorities of the University. This officer plays a crucial role in creating deeper connections with donors and achieving annual fundraising goals. Through prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a full portfolio of major gift prospects and donors (up to 70+ households), this position yields a significant amount of revenue for the University and ensures supporters have a positive and meaningful experience when contributing to the University. The Director will focus on building relationships and a prospect pipeline for all schools/colleges within their assigned geographic territory into the University's comprehensive fundraising campaign. This will be accomplished through multiple methods of outreach and personal visits with alumni, friends, and benefactors of the University. In addition to fundraising, this officer will share information on University developments and programs relevant to donors' interests to promote deeper engagement with the University. To accomplish this, the individual must maintain a broad knowledge of the University and develop a vast network of contacts across campus.

This position is based in Omaha, NE. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Omaha metro area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects to support University philanthropic priorities.
• Focus on raising annual, operating, major, and planned gifts.
• Build a prospect pipeline for the comprehensive campaign through regional prospect engagement.
• Be present and involved with regional, school/college-specific, and University events to connect with donors and discover new prospects.
• Partner with alumni officers and other faculty and staff across campus when necessary to enhance donor cultivation.
• Partner with school/college-based gift officers and planned giving officers to maximize gift amounts and close rates.
• Partner with prospect development officers to deepen portfolio and build pipeline.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience of demonstrated and successful fundraising preferred. Comparable experience will be considered.
• Experience in a college or university environment and a national campaign environment helpful. Knowledge of and commitment to the field of education a plus.
• Experience soliciting and closing six-figure gifts a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be comfortable with sorting and organizing a heavy amount of alumni data.
• Must be comfortable with frequent outreach to alumni via email, phone, and video.
• Must be comfortable discovering and pursuing new prospects and leads.
• Strategic thinker with superb organizational, verbal, and writing skills.
• Outgoing and positive interpersonal skills with proven ability to work collaboratively or independently in managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Initiative, tenacity, strong results orientation, entrepreneurial mindset, and proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals desired.
• Must exhibit professionalism, integrity, and excellent judgment.
• Ability to operate both autonomously and collegially in a directed team effort preferred.
• Appreciation, understanding, and ability to effectively communicate Creighton University's mission.
• Familiarity with fundraising CRM/databases a plus.
• Ability to travel nationally for events and prospect visits required.