Senior Director of Development

WSUFAE is looking for a Senior Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) to lead transformational fundraising efforts that advance the mission of Wichita State University. This dynamic leadership role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift donors while managing a high-performing development team serving the College of LAS and Honors College. The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship builder with a proven track record of securing major gifts, inspiring teams, and engaging high-net-worth philanthropists. If you are passionate about higher education, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are committed to making a lasting impact through philanthropy, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of Wichita State University.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With a growing number of assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.
The job duties for this position include:

1. Identification and Prospective Donors

• Collaborate with the Data Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential major gift and principal gift donors.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors through research, networking, and outreach.
• Collaborate with the AVP of Development and other senior leadership to create and execute strategies for donor identification.

 

1. Cultivation and Solicitation
   • Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors to achieve giving goals.
   • Develop and implement personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a select group of high-net worth donors.
   • Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create high-quality communication with major and principal donors through customized proposals, presentation, and engagement activities.

• • Build and maintain meaningful relationships with prospects through personalized outreach, meetings, and events.
  • Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor based on their interests and capacity to give.
  • Lead or assist in the coordination of gift solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.

1. Gift Solicitation and Closing
   • Actively work towards meeting established annual metrics, collaborating with team members to ensure cohesive efforts.
   • Develop and execute strategies to secure financial support in alignment with both personal, team, and WSUFAE’s fundraising goals.
   • Lead the solicitation of major, principal gifts, and planned gifts with donors in your portfolio and close contributions that support WSU’s priorities.

 

1. Team Development/Managements
   • Provide vision and leadership to the College of LAS and Honors College development team, ensuring alignment with WSUFAE and WSU priorities.
   • Recruit, train, and mentor high-performing team members through the establishment and monitoring of goals, ensuring accountability and consistent progress towards fundraising targets.
   • Foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation within your team and across WSUFAE.

 

1. Administrative Duties
   • Develop and manage an annual budget for fund-raising activities and professional development.
   • Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with WSUFAE’s goals.
   • Maintain accurate computer and paper files as necessary.
   • Perform any other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements



 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required
• Fundraising experience closing Major Gifts ($25,000 or more)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with high-net-worth individuals and institutional leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet challenging and changing deadlines and to develop and execute sophisticated strategies for securing transformational gifts.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
• Must be willing to travel with occasional weekend and evening work

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurance

• Project professional image at all times
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration

Skills



 

• Highly motivated and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on collaboration and professional development.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• High degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity, and discretion; ability to maintain a commitment to confidentiality; good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead groups and projects as well as function as part of a collaborative team.
• Enthusiasm for WSUFAE’s mission and values, with a deep commitment to advancing its priorities through philanthropy.

Physical Requirements



 

• Frequent and sudden movements from sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and walking
• Frequent standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Frequent use of a telephone for prolonged periods
• Frequent exposure to large crowds, loud noises, and/or bright and/or flashing lights
• Occasional travel for conferences and donor or alumni engagement opportunities
• Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds when traveling
• Occasional exposure to outdoors and hot and inclement weather

Preferred Requirements and Skills



 

• Graduate degree from accredited institution
• CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) is preferred
• Fundraising experience closing gifts of $250,000 or more
• Database knowledge
• Knowledge of Wichita State University and a commitment to higher education

WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon.
Advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University takes a strong team, and it is our core values that unite and empower us to reach our goals together. Collectively, we are passionate about education and opening doors to new opportunities by working together to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.”

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at View phone number on us.fitly.work or email View email address on us.fitly.work in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.

To Apply:
Please fill out an application, submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interests in, and qualifications for, the position.

 
WSUFAE is an EOE employer