University of Missouri-Kansas City (UKMC)

Hiring Department

Advancement

Job Description

The Senior Director of Advancement works under the supervision of the Executive Director of Advancement and in close collaboration with the Dean, other advancement team members, and unit staff. 

The person in this position will be responsible for planning, developing, and executing strategies for securing support from donors with the capacity and inclination to make a major gift ($50,000 and above) to support University and College priorities. 

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain a portfolio of individual donors and corporations with the capacity and inclination to make a major gift ($50,000 and above). This responsibility will be measured by individually based goals for proposals delivered and closed, the number of substantive personal contacts and visits, and the dollars raised.
• Work with the Executive Director and Dean to identify and communicate the College of Engineering’s funding priorities.
• Under the direction of the Executive Director of Advancement, prepare an annual operating plan for securing annual, central, and planned gifts, with monthly and quarterly activity and progress goals.
• Work with development staff on the stewardship of assigned donors.
• Identify and utilize volunteers, faculty, staff, publications, and other resources to determine the linkage, ability, and interest of major gift prospects.
• Ensure that prospects capable of significant gifts are cultivated and solicited appropriately and deliberately.
• Utilize the Advancement database to document call reports and other relevant donor and prospect moves management information.
• Attend College of Engineering donor events.
• Participate in University Advancement staff meetings, prospect management and prospect strategy meetings, and University functions.
• Positively represent the University of Missouri and the College of Engineering at all times. 
• Assist with other development projects as needed.

Ideal Competencies of a Successful Candidate:

• Ability to develop effective partnerships with internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to build and maintain positive constituent and colleague relationships through constructive communication skills and professionalism.
• Ability to work with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Effective communication skills include writing and speaking persuasively about the institution. 
• Excellent time manager with the ability to prioritize and coordinate tasks with attention to deadlines, concurrent management of projects, and ability to create and follow a set strategy to goals and objectives.
• Critical thinker who analyzes and evaluates information to make appropriate decisions. 
• Donor-focused with the ability to learn and understand organizational relationships and dynamics and use them to achieve objectives and goals.

Yearly Goals & Metrics

• 2 Million Dollars Raised
• 15-18 Major Gift Proposals Presented ($50K and above)
• 7-15 Major Gifts Closed ($50K and above)
• 125-200 Substantive Written Communications (Email, Letter, or Text)
• 100 – 150 Substantive Visits (Phone, Virtual, or In-Person)
• 20-50 Evaluation Visits

We invest in our employees at the University of Missouri Office of Advancement. Once you join our team, you will participate in the Discipline of Frontline Fundraising (DFF) program with Plus Delta Partners, a 9-month series of fundraising workshops and 1:1 skill building. Ensuring you have the tools to succeed is an Advancement priority. Your success as a gift officer will have a direct and lasting impact on Mizzou and the campaign's priorities. 

Our team knows that fundraising is a particular niche, so we are open to transferable skills! If you have experience translating to fundraising, please tell us about it in your cover letter. These skills include, but are not limited to, sales, finance, consulting, non-profit work, higher education experience, etc. We are excited to learn more about you and your experiences. 

Shift

M-F 8am-5pm, various travel, and can include irregular working hours and extensive travel (40%-50%). Will consider remote for the right candidate living within the state of Missouri

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible fundraising and/or alumni and volunteer relations management experience in a development office setting are preferable.
• The successful candidate will be able to document the successful solicitation of major and principal gifts and present a history of supporting the building of an advancement program and fundraising performance.
• Large university advancement experience will be highly valued.
• Candidates must display a sophisticated understanding of the stages in the donor life cycle (cultivation/solicitation/closing/stewardship).
• Campaign planning/execution and significant gift solicitation experience is preferred.
• This person must be capable of flourishing in a fast-paced, collaborative, and fluid work environment focused on performance and outcomes.
• Other important characteristics include a strong work ethic, personal integrity, emotional intelligence, excellent communication and organizational skills, strategic thinking and planning skills, and a commitment to the mission and values of the University of Missouri.
• Strong organizational skills are required, exemplary interpersonal and written communication skills are essential, and the ability to favorably affect sophisticated volunteers and donors.
• Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is also required

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000 yearly

Grade: GGS-013

Univeristy Title: Advancement Director III

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Other Information

Our benefits:

As one of Missouri’s largest employers, MU staff members enjoy exceptionally competitive health, PTO and retirement plans. A few highlights:

• Health Insurance -Three plans to choose from, including our Custom Network Plan; a cost-effective insurance option that utilizes our extensive network of MU-affiliated hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
• HSA - UM provides between $400 - $1200 in contributions to health savings accounts, depending on plans and dependents
• Dental - 100% coverage for preventative care, with no restrictions on network or non-network providers
• Vision - $0 copays on frames and contact lenses along with a $140 allowance, and a $10 copay on yearly eye exams.
• Retirement - UM will match 100% of up to 8% of eligible pay contributed to a 457(b), with a three-year vesting period on University contributions.
• Tuition Assistance - Up to 75% of tuition and supplemental fees waived for employees, and 50% waived for spouses and dependents
• Time Off - Separate vacation, sick leave, and personal day accrual, as well as nine paid national holidays.
• Winter Break - The university observes a paid holiday for the period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research, and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. 

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. 

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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