Southeast Missouri State University
Associate Director of Development
University Advancement
Full Time
SEMO Foundation is seeking an Associate Director of Development to serve on the development team. This position will serve an integral role in furthering SEMO’s mission through philanthropic and outreach efforts by managing an active portfolio of prospects and donors through the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship moves management process. Additionally, this individual will oversee focused fundraising initiatives including special events, annual giving, and mid-level giving strategies for assigned projects. The Associate Director of Development will have the opportunity to engage with donors and prospects with varying areas of philanthropic interest, while working collaboratively across the SEMO campus with faculty and staff. This individual will play a key role in creating stewardship plans, as well as proposals and sponsorships.
This is a great opportunity for individuals who are passionate about fundraising. A robust onboarding and engagement plan will set ambitious candidates up for a great future in higher education fundraising. We believe in making the dream of higher education attainable and preparing the next generation of leaders. We provide fundraising leadership and endowment stewardship to support needs and initiatives across Southeast Missouri State University. We work hard, celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone’s contributions matter. We are nimble and innovative, and we want you to bring your ideas and energy to join forces with some of the best talent in our industry.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop relationships with individuals, businesses, and organizations to expand the base of external support
- Assist the Assistant Vice President for Advancement (AVP) and Major Gift Officers (MGOs) in identifying donor interests, capacity, and alignment with organizational priorities
- Formulate and implement fundraising goals and activities in collaboration with the AVP and MGOs
- Represent the university and advancement division at campus, community, regional and nation-wide events and on committees
- Support the execution of strategic fundraising campaigns and appeals
- Initiate and oversee sustainable annual and mid-level giving strategies
- Facilitate proposals, sponsorships, and pledge agreements as well as related invoicing and payment timelines
- Prepare briefing materials, proposals, and reports for donor meetings and solicitations
- Draft donor communications, including impact reports, thank-you letters, proposals, sponsorships, and pledge agreements
- Support the coordination of planned giving efforts
- Support the execution of donor engagement and recognition events, to ensure a professional and seamless experience
- Collaborate with MGOs to organize donor site visits, tours, and presentations that align with organizational priorities
- Act as a liaison between the Advancement Division and other departments, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration
- Maintain accurate records in the donor database, tracking donor interactions, proposals, and progress
- Monitor assigned projects, analyze data, and provide updates on solicitation strategies and fundraising results
- Generate reports and dashboards to track progress toward fundraising goals and evaluate key performance indicators
- Provide administrative and operational support to the AVP and MGOs
- Ensure timely and accurate gift documentation, reporting, and acknowledgment by collaborating with internal teams
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures for gift solicitation and processing
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrated experience in customer service, communication, sales, fundraising, or a related field
- Demonstrated ability to establish, maintain, and manage relationships with key stakeholders
- Ability to think through complicated processes with exceptional problem-solving skills
- Superb attention to detail as well as effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Superior time management, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and the discipline to deliver projects
- Capable of working independently while being an effective team collaborator
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and data analytics for reporting
- Flexibility to travel regionally and work independently outside of a traditional office environment and normal business hours, including evenings and weekends
- Understanding of fundraising ethics and best practices, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
- Passion for and commitment to the organization’s mission and delivering results
To Apply: Please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/semoedu and upload a cover letter and current resume.
