Director of Philanthropy

Position Overview

As Austin Peay State University nears its 100-year anniversary, the university invites applications for the role of Director of Philanthropy within the Division of Student Affairs. This role may expand over time to include varied fundraising duties aligned with the university's overarching philanthropic objectives. The core mission involves identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and maintaining relationships with major donors able to contribute gifts starting at $25,000.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising Management (70% of role):

• Collaborate with leadership to pinpoint and articulate funding priorities suitable for external support.
• Lead efforts to secure major contributions through various types of gifts including pledges, immediate gifts, or planned giving.
• Create and implement a comprehensive development strategy focused on donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts of $10,000 or more, working independently or alongside volunteers.
• Oversee a portfolio of 85 to 100 qualified major gift prospects, managing engagement especially for high-priority donors requiring senior leadership involvement.
• Maintain a minimum of 20 contact actions monthly, with at least half conducted through direct personal engagement.
• Serve as the key communications conduit between Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy Division and Student Affairs staff and faculty.
• Ensure accurate documentation of donations and pledges, complying with relevant policies for gift acceptance and recognition.
• Organize donor engagements and sponsorship opportunities tied to student programs, career readiness, and wellbeing with the Vice President of Student Affairs.
• Plan meaningful donor experiences linked to major initiatives.

Additional Activities (30% of role):

• Collaborate with divisions such as Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, Athletics, and other stakeholders to optimize fundraising through events and meetings pertinent to fundraising goals.
• Deliver consistent, thoughtful stewardship to donors including event invitations and impact communications.
• Keep comprehensive records of fundraising activities within the CRM system promptly and accurately.
• Manage an advisory council, including agenda development, engagement planning, follow-up communications, and member recruitment support.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership abilities paired with dedication to confidentiality, adaptability, teamwork, meticulousness, and long-term relationship management.
• Proven success in cultivating and sustaining donor relationships within mission-driven organizations.
• Capacity to travel extensively (approximately 40% time), including overnight and weekend commitments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, sales, or a related area.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across organizational levels.
• Availability for work during weekends, evenings, and travel as necessary.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication capabilities.
• High attention to detail with an ability to manage strategic initiatives alongside routine duties.

Physical Requirements

• This is primarily sedentary work requiring exertion of up to 10 pounds occasionally and minimal physical exertion regularly.