Chief Development Officer - Higher Ed. jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL

Effective Date: Immediately, upon hire.

Reporting to the Director of Development, this position is to serve to develop and execute fundraising initiatives and programs that help achieve the overall mission and goals of The University of West of Alabama (UWA). This position will work closely with Strategic Communications and Alumni Affairs to ensure a collaborative approach for all fundraising activities. The Development Officer works in a team setting to promote the University and involves researching, prospecting, cultivating, and managing relationships with donors, as well as assisting with the coordinator of fundraising activities.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience working in a professional environment.

Desired:

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar database.
• Experience working with volunteer groups.
• Two years of fundraising, development, or sales experience in a progressively responsible position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills.
• Tech-savvy with knowledge of, or ability to, learn database management programs, such as Raiser’s Edge and other business software.
• General understanding of marketing, public relations, and other standard business practices.
• Initiative and self-direction.
• Adaptable with the ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel and work extended hours, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Director of Development and VP of Institutional Advancement to identify potential sources of private gift support and develop appropriate strategies to generate major and principal gifts to support UWA.
• Develop creative and innovative giving initiatives collaboratively with the Director of Development and VP of Institutional Advancement.
• Develop a personal prospect portfolio of high-worth prospects and travel to meet with donors and potential donors to secure major gifts to meet fundraising goals and objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors.
• Organize and maintain development materials, such as brochures and presentations.
• Stay informed of fundraising trends, techniques, and technology.
• Assist with the development of proposals and presentation materials relative to top fundraising priorities that will keep top prospects informed and involved.
• Assist with the acknowledgment of donations by any and all of the following as appropriate: letter, phone call, participation in or attendance of events and functions for donors.
• Assist with various fundraising activities, including board meetings and special events, as assigned.
• Function as an integral part of the Advancement Office team by collaborating with Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Engagement, Strategic Communications, and Alumni Affairs to grow fundraising opportunities and steward donors.
• Assist the Director of Development with Planned Giving Initiatives.
• Participate in special projects, programs, initiatives, and other duties as assigned.
• Prepare fundraising reports, budgets, and other documents as needed or assigned.
• Assist the Director of Development with the planning of all Annual Fund related activities, as needed.

• Supervise student assistants as necessary.
• Ensure timely responses to Development Office emails and phone calls and assist with alumni communications (mailings, surveys, email newsletter, etc.) and social media as needed.
• Serves on University committees requiring representation of Development/Advancement as assigned by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and/or the Director of Development.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until position is filled.

To Apply: Mail or email the following documents to:

Dr. JJ Wedgworth, Vice President of Institutional Advancement

The University of West Alabama
Station 6
Livingston, AL 35470

jwedgworth@uwa.edu

• Cover letter of interest for the position.
• Resume/vita, documenting work experience.
• Email and phone number of three professional references.
• Transcripts of all college work. (Unofficial transcripts will suffice for the application; official transcripts must be submitted immediately upon employment.)

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources.

The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.

AA/EO Employer.