Director of Development

JOB DESCRIPTION

Director of Development; reports to Senior Director for Major Gifts

Graceland University strives to provide a positive, vibrant working environment for employees. Position descriptions are essential to understanding the scope of the position, the expectations, and the general nature of the work performed.

The Director of Development will work closely with other advancement team members, senior administrators, and interact with other University faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community members to manage and strengthen Graceland University's fundraising practices and develop strategies to achieve the institution's desired financial future through the promotion of a culture of philanthropy, both internally and externally.

THIS POSITION SUPPORTS THE UNIVERSITY MISSION BY:

• The Director of Development is in charge of engaging, cultivating, and stewarding a portfolio of donors to meet and exceed the fundraising goals of the University.

• Focus fundraising efforts to maximize the impact Graceland has on preparing students for productive careers and rich lives.

• Contribute to Student Success/Retention

• Embracing a growth mindset by willing to be a life-long learner, focusing on strategic priorities of the university, using failure as a means to move forward

THIS POSITION CONTRIBUTES TO STUDENT SUCCESS/RETENTION BY:

• Providing financial resources for scholarships, capital projects, endowment growth and all other fundraising needs

• Attending athletic events, performing arts and other student activities to show support and to develop personal connections to students

• Develop relationships with family members of students to enhance the families view of Graceland

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Director of Development is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and planned gift prospects in support of Graceland University's strategic priorities. Working in partnership with the Senior Director of Major Gifts, this position develops and executes individualized fundraising strategies for an assigned portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects and donors, with the goal of securing unrestricted, major, and planned gifts while building long-term philanthropic relationships that advance the University's mission.

• Participate in portfolio reviews with the Senior Director of Advancement Services to evaluate prospect movement, refine fundraising strategies, and ensure accurate portfolio management.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University to inspire philanthropic investment and meaningful engagement with Graceland.

• Prepare gift proposals, stewardship reports, and donor communications in collaboration with Institutional Advancement colleagues.

• Coordinate donor visits involving the President, Vice President, and other university leaders to maximize fundraising opportunities.

• Contribute to the planning and execution of Graceland University's comprehensive fundraising campaign by collaborating with Institutional Advancement colleagues to secure philanthropic support for the University's strategic priorities.

• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and fundraising strategies within the University's constituent relationship management system.

• Support donor cultivation and stewardship through university events, including Homecoming, commencement, donor receptions, and other engagement activities.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, business development, annual giving, sales, communications, marketing, or a related field, with demonstrated success in building relationships and achieving measurable results.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward donor, client, or constituent relationships while building productive partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

• Proficiency with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems and Microsoft Office applications, or the ability to quickly learn new technology.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Graceland University.

• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively, including evenings and weekends as needed.

• This position may be based in either Lamoni, Iowa, or Independence, Missouri, and requires regular travel to all Graceland University campus locations and throughout assigned fundraising territories to cultivate and steward donor relationships.

ABOUT US

Graceland University welcomes your application and interest in the open positions listed on this website. Updates are made regularly, so please check back often. Benefits overview is available here. Graceland offers a generous paid time off policy, which includes vacation, sick leave and holiday pay.

Graceland is a nonsectarian institution sponsored by Community of Christ, which provides a rich Christian heritage. Graceland has two main campuses: one located in Lamoni, Iowa, and one located in Independence, Missouri.

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is much more than a school. Graceland is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who make up a worldwide community network that reaches far beyond the two campuses.

All applications/resumes are kept on file for one year. If you see future positions that interest you, please let us know so we may submit your application materials. Reference letters will not be accessible to applicants during the application process nor after becoming an employee.

Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We’re looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University consists of two campuses: the Lamoni campus is a residential liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and the Independence, Missouri campus which focuses on degree completion, adult and graduate programs.