Simon Business School, Advancement Senior Director

University of Rochester

11d

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. GENERAL PURPOSE The Senior Director of Advancement will develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects for Simon Business School. This person will develop sufficient knowledge of Simon to effectively represent the school on the road, as well as provide guidance and assistance to university officers representing Simon. Working independently, the Senior Director of Advancement will focus primarily on prospects in select major markets and ensure that an appropriately sized prospect pool is strategically qualified, cultivated, and solicited, while working with regional staff to do the same inside their Simon portfolios. The Senior Director will carry a portfolio of approximately 120 prospects, with specific solicitation and dollar goals outlined in annual performance metrics. The Senior Director will be expected to effectively track and manage prospect “moves,” short- and long-term strategies, and next steps. This person will also work with the team to help manage Simon’s stewardship activities within the Simon Advancement department and work with central partners to create meaningful interactions with donors. Furthermore, this gift officer will partner with the Executive Director in managing advancement projects within assigned areas of responsibility, including special fundraising initiatives and development events in designated geographic regions. As appropriate, the Senior Director will be asked to serve as Simon’s representative on one or more University Advancement committees. Travel on behalf of Simon Advancement is required for this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Required
A minimum of 7 years of fundraising experience, Required
Or equivalent combination of education and experience Required
Travel is required for this role; approximately 1 trip per month, often to the west coast. Required
Evidence of ability to work effectively with faculty and senior-level prospects and donors. Required
Ability to work self-sufficiently in a fast-paced environment is crucial, as is understanding of prioritization and time management. Required
This position requires an individual who excels at cultivating and soliciting in an organized fashion, as well as prioritizing based on campaign timetables, competing priorities, and return on investment. Required
Strong skills in written and oral communication. Demonstrated ability to communicate campaign priorities and funding opportunities verbally and in writing. Required
Strong collaborative skills. Required
Sufficiently well-organized to deal effectively with donor stewardship issues and “moves” to advance donors according to a plan. Required
Highly motivated and independent working style. Required
Flexibility – given the changing demands of executing a comprehensive capital campaign, responsibilities within this position may change. Required

Responsibilities

Collaborates with Simon leadership and central advancement teams to develop and execute strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts on behalf of the Simon school.
Initiates and/or strengthens relationships and creates strategies for soliciting donors capable of making major gifts.
Maintains a portfolio of major gift prospects in specific regions, including but not limited to Washington, D.C.-metro and San Francisco-Bay area.
Travels extensively on behalf of Simon Advancement to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, donors, and prospects.
Oversee Simon activities in select regions, working in close collaboration with the regional major gift officers in those areas.
Coordinates with Simon Business School staff to conceptualize, plan and execute events to engage donors and prospects and works closely with faculty, staff, and alumni volunteers to support fundraising efforts and existing activities in an effort to increase prospect engagement in specified regions.
Participates in alumni events, reunions, and other key institutional activities to strengthen donor relationships.
Partners with the Executive Director in managing special development projects and events, including campaign planning, functions, and volunteer management.
Leads efforts and advises Executive Director on strategy and tactics for management of Simon development activities in assigned areas of responsibility.
Manage Fundraising-related projects as needed and especially as they relate to pipeline building, campaign messaging and Simon funding opportunities.
Updates regional and donor engagement strategies to increase the quality and size of the prospect pool.
Coordinates activities with other University advancement units, including leadership gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, and community-based programs
Documents donor strategies, interactions, and outcomes in the prospect management database.
Participates in ongoing professional development, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising protocols and best practices.
Other duties as assigned.