At the SDSU Foundation, we have a knack for dreaming big and making a difference. Our $500 million Bold & Blue campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in South Dakota history, will elevate our premier university and serve our students, faculty, and campus. We aim high, we work together, and we’re always envisioning what comes next – all while keeping integrity and excellence at the core of what we do.

Position Summary

The Development Director assists donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals while simultaneously working to help South Dakota State University advance its mission. This role will work with SDSU Foundation Leadership to set the strategic direction for fundraising efforts and implement a comprehensive plan for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for current donors and potential prospects who have an interest in supporting the university, including donors with an interest in supporting the College of Natural Sciences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Relationships and Fundraising

• Solicit donations to increase philanthropic support for South Dakota State University, focusing on commitments of $25,000 or more.
• Establish and manage relationships in an evolving portfolio of approximately 75 to 125 prospects and donors, including donors with an interest in supporting the College of Natural Sciences.
• Build and nurture collaborative, donor-centric, long-term relationships with major gift donors.
• Ensure consistent, appropriate, and timely stewardship through personal recognition, ongoing communications, and invitations to key events.
• Effectively match the interests of prospects and donors to specific college and university needs.
• Draft and customize correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for identified prospects and donors.
• Design and execute appropriate and effective cultivation and solicitation strategies to move assigned prospects through the gift cycle.
• Develop a pipeline of future major donors capable of making significant gifts to the university by participating in the identification, qualification, and evaluation of major and planned gift prospects.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of pertinent communications and contact reports following prospect and donor engagements within database.

Collaboration

• Ensure that the SDSU Foundation is viewed as a transparent, collaborative, responsive partner to be able to professionally address both opportunities and concerns.
• Coordinate with the College of Natural Sciences leadership team to engage and solicit assigned prospects with interest in college fundraising priorities.
• Maintain an understanding of the fundraising priorities of the College of Natural Sciences, as well as major priorities of the university.
• Through collegial consultation and cooperation, model and encourage a donor-centered culture of collaboration that includes multidisciplinary priorities supporting the overall goals of the university.
• Actively collaborate across the holistic development programs for the college including Annual Programs, Planned Giving, Prospect Development, and the Alumni Association.
• Serve as an advocate for the College of Natural Sciences, South Dakota State University, and the SDSU Foundation.

Travel and Event Attendance

• Travel regionally/nationally (potentially 40-60%) as well as attend evening and weekend activities as required.
• Represent the SDSU Foundation at university functions and events, including those related to your assigned college/unit, to gain a strong understanding of South Dakota State University.

Other Duties

• Other duties may be assigned to meet the organization’s needs.

Education and Previous Experience

Bachelor's degree is required. Minimum of three or more years of professional fundraising experience or appropriate related experience (such as public relations, sales, marketing, or alumni relations) is required.

Additional Qualifications

Qualified individuals will possess the following:

• A high level of interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, to handle sensitive and confidential situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
• Customer service skills requiring clear communication in person, on the phone, and in writing are essential.
• A high level of integrity, including ability to treat confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to be organized and resourceful to locate and compile information and accomplish projects with minimal supervision.
• Consistent attention to detail in composing and proofing materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment with professional demeanor, self-reliance, and resourcefulness.
• Dependability and punctuality.
•  High energy, positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.
• Proficient experience using the most recent versions of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Typical Physical Demands

Requires sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and some lifting. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office and/or clerical equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Employee Statement of Understanding

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Regular attendance is required in this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. The SDSU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.