Associate Director Development

DUTIES

Reporting to and working with the Executive Director, Office of Development, the successful candidate will be an integral and senior member of a rapidly expanding Development Team. The position will interest a highly motivated individual who will enjoy the leadership challenges of building an exceptional development operation, adding new professional staff, and working toward ambitious increases in fundraising targets as the University prepares to enter its next comprehensive campaign. The successful candidate will assist in the long-range planning for development and provide leadership and counsel to a team of professional staff members working in support of institutional and faculty-based (or campus-based) priorities as well as overseeing the execution of all frontline fundraising programs, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and stewardship and prospect research. They will foster productive partnerships with other departments and units within the University and manage the budget for their portfolio within the Office. The Associate Director will lead a staff of approximately 23 (plus a team of student communicators as part of the Annual Fund program). They will be responsible for hiring, onboarding, training, and supervision and professional development of all development staff directly reporting to them, some of whom have management responsibilities, and will make recommendations to the Executive Director concerning human resources strategies for their team. They will work with volunteers including faculty, staff, alumni, members of the Board of Regents, and, eventually, campaign volunteers. This position will develop effective strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of assigned major donor prospects; work closely and collaboratively with the Advancement Services team (including playing a significant role in ensuring effective use of the Raiser’s Edge database) as well as the marketing and communications team within the Office of Development and the Office of Alumni Engagement; and perform other related duties as required. Regular intra-provincial and national travel is required, as is some international travel.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be an experienced development professional who, along with at least an undergraduate degree, has at 7-10 years’ fundraising experience, ideally in higher education; management experience at increasing levels of responsibility; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. A master’s degree would be an asset. This senior position requires an ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple timelines, and interact with a diverse client base including other members of the Development team. This position is frequently a first point of contact for key stakeholders including major donors, community leaders, as well as the University’s program directors, Deans, and Department Heads. This role depends on leadership, diplomacy, foresight, sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy to ensure continued goodwill and financial support for the University. The Associate Director will possess exceptional organizational and analytical skills, sophisticated interpersonal skills, excellent listening, written, and oral communication skills, and a track record of success in closing significant gifts (e.g. $$100,000 and above). They will have strong negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to effectively manage diverse relationships. They must display honesty, integrity, high standards, and excellent decision-making capabilities. The demonstrated ability to engage and motivate prospective donors and volunteers is required. The ideal candidate is seeking the opportunity to play a key role in building an innovative and highly effective development office and will have a demonstrated high level of energy, creativity, and initiative. An understanding of fundraising software, databases, and Microsoft Office is necessary. Knowledge of higher education generally, and Memorial University in particular, is ideal.