Director of Development

VP Area: Advancement

Department: Advancement

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefit Eligibility: Yes

Position Summary

The Director of Development manages a portfolio of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding charitable gifts for Oklahoma City University. The Director is responsible for meeting key metrics, including dollars raised and a number of meaningful personal contacts, while building and advancing strong relationships with the university for current and prospective donors.

The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development and works closely with members of the Advancement Team.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of three years of progressive and direct experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or communications in a higher education environment. Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or a similar donor management database system is also preferred.
• A suitable combination of education and experience may be substituted for minimum qualifications.

Job Duties

• Demonstrate an attitude and behavior that reflects the mission and values of the university and the department.
• Assist in developing fundraising goals, objectives, and strategies for different areas within OCU.
• Establish relationships and create and build a donor base.
• Works closely with donor relations to create a stewardship plan for donors.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit five and six figure gifts that match donors' philanthropic interests with the university's needs and in accordance with set metrics.
• Develop and engage a travel schedule to meet with alumni and donors based on assignments in alignment with strategic goals
• Take Lead on funding priority campaigns and projects that are identified by campus leadership
• Facilitate a required average minimum of 15-20 OCU-oriented, substantial, personal visits per month.
• Based on funding priorities, establish annual goals and achieve metrics set by Assistant Vice President for Development.
• Serve as the primary development liaison to a portion of OCU colleges, working directly with Deans and faculty to build strong relationships with the school.
• Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 150 donors/prospective donors to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward.
• Determine and manage an appropriate and effective strategy for each prospect.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers, members of the University Advancement team, campus leadership, faculty and staff to cultivate and solicit donors for the university’s priorities.
• Assist in developing and soliciting corporate sponsors for Oklahoma City University. This includes identification, proposal development, solicitation, and activation of sponsorships.
• Assist with University special events and initiatives as determined by the Vice President for University Advancement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Office of Advancement and fundraising initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate a robust background in communication and fundraising, with proven experience enhancing these skills.
• Highly energetic and a collaborative team player, passionate about helping others achieve their philanthropic goals.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, enabling effective engagement with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to uphold the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Deep understanding of the gift cycle, with hands-on experience managing each stage effectively.
• Strong familiarity with the Donor Bill of Rights, maintaining a donor-centered approach in all interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and consistently meet deadlines.
• Composed and professional in handling high-pressure situations.
• Proficient in operating computers, printers, and multifunction office equipment, as well as relevant software.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is primarily indoors, but requires the incumbent to be in an outdoor environment when traveling between campus buildings or off campus.
• Standard office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Attendance at evening and weekend events is required; flexible work schedule may be required.
• Off-campus, state and regional travel is required.
• Incumbent will be exposed to frequent noise caused by telephones and office machines.