Research and Development Director jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL

Effective Date: Immediately, upon hire.

Reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, the purpose of this position is to serve as the Director of Development, establishing and managing a comprehensive Development program that works closely with Strategic Communications and Alumni Affairs to ensure a collaborative approach. The Director of Development works in a team setting to promote the University and cultivate internal and external constituents in support of the mission, vision, and values of the University of West Alabama.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Two years of fundraising, development, or sales experience in a progressively responsible position.

Desired:

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar database.
• Experience working with volunteer groups.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and event-planning skills.
• Tech-savvy with knowledge of database management programs, such as Raiser’s Edge and other business software.
• General understanding of marketing, public relations, bookkeeping, 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:

• Identify potential sources of private gift support and develop appropriate strategies to generate major and principal gifts to support UWA.
• 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.
• Create and foster an environment conducive to high performance and is capable of hiring and building a cohesive team of Development Officers; mentor and manage staff, maintaining clear monthly goals and annual performance reviews; develop performance plans and conduct reviews.
• Develop proposals and presentation materials relative to top fundraising priorities that will keep top prospects informed and involved.
• Responsible for a comprehensive stewardship program to include acknowledging and showing gratitude for donating by any or all of the following as appropriate: letter, phone call, participation in or attendance of events and functions for donors.
• Oversee all prospect research and set expectations for that program.
• Assist with various fundraising activities including board meetings and special events as assigned.
• Manage an overall strategic vision for development and associated alumni office functions, including developing and implementing collaborative fundraising strategies and plans.
• 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.
• Responsible for Planned Giving Initiatives.
• Participate in special projects, programs, initiatives, and other duties as assigned.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports (impact reports) on Development-related initiatives and programs.
• In Collaboration with the Alumni Director and Alumni Engagement & Scholarship Coordinator, assist with the planning of all Annual Fund related activities, including the overall program, direct mail and digital, and Giving Day activities.
  • Integrate best practices to create and successfully execute Annual Fund fundraising, direct mail, and email.
  • Develop a campaign for on-campus fundraising as it relates to the Annual Fund (students and faculty/staff).
  • Responsible for engaging upperclassmen and graduating students to become alumni donors through activities such as Giving Day, etc.
  • Responsible for Faculty/Staff participation and Alumni participation in related activities.
• 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.

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.