Basic Functions:

Develop and foster comprehensive philanthropic support for Denison University through a systematic program of identification, engagement, solicitation and stewardship of individual leadership gift prospects in partnership with colleagues across the college, including the Institutional Advancement leadership team, the President, the faculty and Trustees.

Essential Job Functions:

Solicit donors to provide funding for University priorities including leadership annual fund, endowment and planned giving. Generate $1-3 million annually in signed, documented commitments. Identify and qualify Denison alumni, parents and friends who have the capacity to become leadership donors to the University. Collaborate with the Director of Prospect Management to move prospects through the giving cycle from identification through stewardship. Manage annually an assigned number of leadership gift prospects targeted at $100,000 or more and plan and execute engagement and solicitation strategies to bring them closer to the University through personal visits and other contacts and by engaging them in volunteer and other activities to further advance their relationship with the University. Design tailored individual donor strategies that will inspire transformational gifts to the University. Identify and cultivate targeted donors to serve in such capacities as Alumni Council, the Board of Advisors, the Family Leadership Council, and the Board of Trustees. Participate in donor strategy reviews, divisional planning meetings and briefing sessions.

Maintain a basic knowledge of projects and programs that are the funding objectives for the University and share Denison's vision with donors. Work with others on campus to develop well articulated cases for support and fully-developed written proposals to present to prospective donors. Prepare contact reports and necessary follow-up materials. Stay informed of the tax consequences of giving in order to counsel donors on ways to maximize tax advantages.

Collaborate with Annual Fund and Planned Giving staff to develop comprehensive philanthropic plans for major gift prospects which would include operating support, endowed/capital initiatives and deferred commitments. Develop and maintain an updated broad base of knowledge regarding planned giving vehicles. Coordinate, with the Director of Donor Relations, regional dinners and events that will engage key major gift prospects. Work with the Assistant Director for Stewardship to appropriately steward donors and their gifts.

Support activities which will bring potential donors closer to the University through volunteer engagement activities, and participate in community-wide events such as Big Red Weekend and Reunion Weekend. Support student, faculty and the academic life of the University by attending campus events, convocations, inductions and commencement activities. Demonstrate the efficient use of budget and time, and support the goals and objectives of the division of Institutional Advancement.

Abide by the Principles of Practice for Fundraising Professionals at Educational Institutions, approved by the CASE Board of Trustees in November 2005 and as amended. Participate in professional activities to stay current with trends in the field.

Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree. A minimum of five years of relevant fundraising experience or a related field such as non-profit management, sales, or marketing. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must be able to work independently and as part of a cohesive team to achieve goals. Proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite. Must understand and be able to commit to a liberal arts mission and become an active member of the University community. Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the College.

Preferred Qualifications:

Fundraising experience in higher education. Experience fundraising with gifts of $50,000 or more.

Pay/Salary: Competitive

EEO Statement:

To achieve our mission as a liberal arts college, we continually strive to foster a diverse campus community, which recognizes the value of all persons regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic background. For additional information and resources about diversity at Denison, please see our Diversity Guide.  Denison University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Background Check Statement:

The final candidate will undergo a background check, including a driving check, as a conditional offer of employment.