Director of Development

Work Location: Springfield Campus

Department: Development

HR Home Department
090102 DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Pay Grade: 44

Proposed Salary: Commensurate with experience

Sponsorship Information

Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?: No, Position is available to all applicants.

Appointment Type: Full Time Regular

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

General Function

The Director of Development (DOD) assists donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals while simultaneously helping Missouri State University advance its mission. The primary duty of the DOD is to bring in major gifts (gifts of $25,000 or more) by qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects for major gifts on behalf of Missouri State University. This position works closely with Advancement leadership, University administration and appropriate faculty and staff to cultivate potential donors. The Director of Development exercises judgment in managing and strategically engaging a defined portfolio of current and prospective donors comprised of alumni, friends, parents, and organizations. The DOD evaluates the most effective approach to solicitation for each donor (whether through a formal written proposal or a verbal request) and identifies appropriate giving vehicles, such as outright gifts or planned/estate gifts. This role manages the gift agreement process from initiation to completion to ensure accurate gift administration. Additional responsibilities include determining when donor-facing travel is necessary and managing an assigned budget.

Description of Primary Duties

The Director of Development (DOD) assists donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals while simultaneously helping Missouri State University advance its mission. The primary duty of the DOD is to bring in major gifts (gifts of $25,000 or more) by qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects for major gifts on behalf of Missouri State University. This position works closely with Advancement leadership, University administration and appropriate faculty and staff to cultivate potential donors. The Director of Development exercises judgment in managing and strategically engaging a defined portfolio of current and prospective donors comprised of alumni, friends, parents, and organizations. The DOD evaluates the most effective approach to solicitation for each donor (whether through a formal written proposal or a verbal request) and identifies appropriate giving vehicles, such as outright gifts or planned/estate gifts. This role manages the gift agreement process from initiation to completion to ensure accurate gift administration. Additional responsibilities include determining when donor-facing travel is necessary and managing an assigned budget.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.

Experience: At least three years of successful professional experience is required, preferably in higher education fundraising or in a related career with a comparable, demonstrated, successful track record.

Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with all age groups are required. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. Organizational skills, particularly planning, setting deadlines, and evaluating progress, are required. Computer literacy, particularly in word processing, using Internet resources, and using databases, is required. Must be a self-starter committed to follow through. Experience working effectively in a high energy environment is preferred.

Effort: Occasionally required to lift and carry boxes of materials and equipment weighing 25-50 pounds.

Other: The scope of the job requires travel as well as attendance in evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars, and workshops and visits to donors in their homes and offices.

Link to Job Description

Open Date: 05/29/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

The first date of consideration is June 19, 2026, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Official transcripts required at time of hire.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Non-Discrimination Statement

Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, View email address on jobs.institutedata.com , View phone number on jobs.institutedata.com.

Background Check Statement

Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.

Posting Number: 20260136FTS