Senior Director Of Development & Alumni Relations

Position - Senior Directorof Development & Alumni Relations
Summary:
The Senior Directorof Development & Alumni Relations is responsible for securing private support from alumni and friends of the university. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, oversight, implementation and evaluation of annual fundraising activities, special and cultivation events, Alumni Relations, and endowed scholarship fundraising activities.
Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement an active gift solicitation program with alumni, friends, faculty and staff for annual, endowment and planned gifts in conjunction with Avila's ongoing fundraising activities.
• Cultivate existing and new donor relationships, managing a portfolio of 50-75 prospects/donors.
• Regularly set cultivation and solicitation visits and coordinate quality contacts with prospects to achieve fundraising goals.
  Ensure adherence to the CRM policies and practices.
• Establish and monitor goals for direct reports to cultivate and solicit donors.
• Lead strategic planning for the annual fund, alumni engagement and strategic plan initiatives, and oversee the implementation and progress toward goals in these areas.
• Lead planned giving program including internal and external educational opportunities and donor/prospect communications.
  Coordinate quarterly portfolio meetings focused on plans for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of mid-level, major, and planed gift prospect/donors.
• Oversee Annual Fund Programs, Alumni Relations, Special Events, Endowed Scholarship Fundraising Activities and Donor Database/Advancement Services.
• Supervise Director ofAlumni Relations and Director of Annual Giving's efforts to solicit and engage alumni and supporters in various aspects of the university, including but not limited to support of the annual fund through direct mail, phonathon, tribute and monthly giving; alumni and cultivation events; Homecoming Weekend, etc.
• Ensure the program is actively and strategically identifying alumni and annual fund supporters to advance individuals through the prospect pipeline.
• Oversee the ongoing cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of endowed scholarship donors, including activities such as annual reporting, and scholarship events.
• Guide the strategy and implementation of the annual Steer Dinner and Auction.
  Collaborate with portfolio managers and other Advancement staff to build sponsorship for
  the dinner.
• Working with Events Coordinator to ensure event logistics/planning activities associated
  with the event are implemented and goals are met.
• Assist the Chief Development Officer with special projects and all other duties as assigned.
• Assist in implementing research-based fundraising best practices within the university.
• Assist in elevating the presence of Avila and the university president in the community.
• Assist in web site development related to Advancement initiatives.
• Maintain a visible presence on campus and develop strong collaboration with faculty, staff
  and administration to assist in meeting fundraising and cultivation goals.
• Assist with local and regional recognition opportunities to honor alumni and university friends.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's Degree preferred
• Strong fundraising, communication and listening skills along with superb writing skills
• Possess independent judgment; pay close attention to detail; manage complex tasks and meet deadlines; and, have the ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team.
• Minimum of five years of fundraising experience
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, some travel required
• Proficiency with MS Suite and a donor database software system, Raiser's Edge preferred
• CFRE preferred
• Multilingual skills highly preferred.

Successful candidates should be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.
Benefits:
This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University's comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance.
The Community:
Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.
Additional Employment Information:
Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.