Missouri S&T - University Advancement
Position Summary:
The Senior Philanthropic Advisor (SPA) serves as a trusted philanthropic partner to a defined geographic region and acts as the liaison to the Academy of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. This major gift fundraiser will have a primary focus on securing gifts of $25,000 and above for the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with an emphasis on benefactors in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois, as well as principal and major gifts for the Bio-Initiative and related interdisciplinary efforts. Working closely with the Relationship Management team, the SPA will engage regularly with top prospects and benefactors, with an expectation of 120 face-to-face visits annually. The successful candidate will partner effectively with campus faculty, staff, and administrators to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts.
Hybrid work arrangements will be considered with quarterly campus visits expected.
Key Responsibilities:
Prospect Cultivation:
- Establish and cultivate relationships with key benefactors in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas focused on those interested in our Bio Initiative and related interdisciplinary efforts to build relationships and a strong pipeline of major gifts.
- Draft creative strategies to deepen engagement for the benefactor to university partners and priority initiatives.
Proposal Development and Solicitation:
- Work with university leadership, faculty, and staff to identify funding needs that match benefactor interests.
- Prepare and present compelling solicitation materials to engage benefactors to secure funding.
Stewardship and Relationship Management:
- Work strategically with benefactors for thoughtful engagement opportunities from prospect identification through stewardship of gifts.
- Maintain ongoing communication with benefactors to foster long-term relationships and encourage future support
Collaboration and Communication:
- Effectively collaborate with campus partners for benefactor engagement opportunities.
- Establish and maintain positive campus partner relationships to coordinate needed information, logistics for benefactor visits, and follow-up for benefactors.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters of Business Administration or other graduate degree
CFRE certification - Sales, relationship building, account management and similar transferable skills experience
- More than 5 years of fundraising experience
- Proven track record of soliciting and closing major gifts at $25,000 or above
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Outstanding social skills, interpersonal skills, discretion, and judgement
About the Team:
The Senior Philanthropic Advisor (SPA) will join a dynamic and collaborative team led by Tory Verkamp, Vice-Chancellor for University Advancement. The Advancement unit encompasses major gifts, annual fund, advancement services, and the Miner Alumni Association. The team values collaboration, transparency, accountability, and innovation in fostering an encouraging and supportive workplace.
Why Join Us?
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Missouri S&T’s mission of advancing education, research, and innovation. As a key member of the development team, you will play a vital role in securing financial support for impactful initiatives, shaping the future of STEM education and research. Regular presence on the Rolla campus is desired, though remote work arrangements may be considered.
Anticipated Hiring Range
The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $69,098-$90,000 annually.
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Please apply on our website here: Senior Philanthropic Advisor | Missouri S&T
