Director of Advancement for the College of Arts & Science

Hiring Department

Advancement

Job Description

The University of Missouri Office of Advancement is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Advancement to join the fundraising team supporting the College of Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, this role collaborates closely with Advancement colleagues, college leadership, and faculty to drive philanthropic support for students, faculty, research, and programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts of $50,000 or more, with an annual fundraising goal of $1 million.
• Build authentic relationships with alumni, friends, and corporate partners to align donor interests with college priorities.
• Conduct thoughtful donor research and engagement to understand motivations and giving capacity.
• Partner with departmental leaders and faculty to align fundraising strategies with college and university-wide goals.
• Collaborate across Advancement teams to enhance fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Contribute to innovative fundraising strategies and initiatives.
• Represent the college at internal and external events, including alumni functions and donor meetings.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions.
• Travel regularly within and outside Missouri; occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and wireless service for job-related responsibilities.
• Support additional development-related projects as needed.
  
  

Ideal Competencies

• Strong collaborator with a team-first mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive and goal-oriented with strong time management and organizational abilities.
• Strategic thinker with sound decision-making skills, even under pressure.
• Skilled at navigating organizational dynamics to achieve objectives.
• Confident in soliciting and securing philanthropic gifts.
• Flexible and willing to travel and work non-traditional hours as needed.
  
  

Performance Metrics

• $1 million in annual fundraising
• 12–15 major gift proposals presented
• 7–15 major gifts secured
• 125–200 substantive written communications
• 100–150 donor meetings
• 20–50 qualification meetings
  
  

Shift

M-F 8am-5pm with occasional evening or weekend events and some travel

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

• 5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or volunteer management, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and contributing to successful advancement programs.
• Deep understanding of the donor lifecycle and campaign execution.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, emotional intelligence, and commitment to the university’s mission.
• Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Passion for Mizzou, the liberal arts, and lifelong learning.
  
  

Anticipated Hiring Range

Hiring Range: $62,000 – $83,000 annually

Grade: GGS 012

University Title: Director II Advancement

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 – Personal time off (PTO) as well as 10 paid holidays.
• Winter Break - The university observes a paid holiday for the period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
  
  

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 festivals each year!

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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