Director of Development - Athletics

The North Dakota State University Foundation seeks mission-driven individuals interested in joining a growing team dedicated to connecting people, developing partnerships, teamwork, accountability, transparency, stewardship, communication, and service.
The Foundation invites candidates for a Director of Development - Athletics, full-time exempt position.
The North Dakota State University Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization which exists to maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support NDSU.
We connect people who are passionate about NDSU and improving the lives and outcomes of North Dakotans and the world.
We are an organization of fifty-five team members, soon to be sixty.
If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitious to develop as a professional, we welcome you to apply.
Our team members enjoy a highly competitive total compensation package including company paid health insurance, a defined contribution account funded at 9.
5%, generous paid time off, abundant professional development opportunities, plus elective dental and vision plans.
This position is located in Fargo, North Dakota.
This position will remain open until filled.
To be considered, applicants must apply online through the NDSU Foundation employment site (https://www.
ndsufoundation.
com/employment) and include a cover letter and resume.
Position Summary: The Director of Development assigned to Athletics is responsible for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of an assigned portfolio of major gift prospects and donors ($25K+).
The Director of Development will utilize a comprehensive prospect management and research system to develop strategic plans for these prospects and document efforts to build enduring relationships that maximize philanthropy in support of NDSU.
The Director of Development will travel nationally to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
The DOD will develop and implement solicitation strategies aimed at building and developing relationships with new and existing donors to achieve goals specific to their portfolio.
They will focus on initiating, building, and sustaining relationships that align with the University mission.
The DOD will collaborate with NDSU leadership to identify fundraising priorities, execute strategies and campaigns to meet the goals of the university’s strategic vision and mission.
This position will work alongside Team Makers and NDSU Athletics staff to build gifting strategies that maximize impact and further the philanthropic goals of NDSU Athletics.
The Director of Development – Athletics will be expected to have regular communication with the Director of Athletics to discuss donor stewardship and donor communication plans and will seek to use the Director of Athletics, head coaches, and other staff where appropriate to advance gifting conversations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans focused on securing leadership ($1M+) and major ($25k+) gifts and identifying potential principal gifts.
Utilize comprehensive prospect management and research system to assist in implementation of strategic plans and other actions.
Manage an assigned portfolio of 100-125 constituents including, alumni, friends, companies, and charitable foundations in collaboration with the Director of Athletics, Athletics development staff, Bison Sports Properties, University leadership, and fellow gift officers, staff, and leadership of the North Dakota State University Foundation.
This includes initiating contacts with potential leadership and major gift donors; Develop appropriate cultivation strategies, including working with volunteers, campus partners, other development officers; and principal gifts unit; moving potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; stewarding donors.
Work collaboratively with fellow colleagues within Athletics and NDSU and within the North Dakota State University Foundation to maximize fundraising production and enhance donor relations.
Focus on securing support for assigned unit or portfolio that include endowment, scholarships, unrestricted support, facility renovations, new facilities and other campus and foundation priorities.
Job requires overnight travel nationally, weekend commitments, and evening commitments, among which could be athletic competitions at home or on the road, and special athletic or university events.
Essential Functions: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.
) Maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs Maintain donor records and contact reports Handle multiple tasks simultaneously Plan, prioritize and meet deadlines Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
Interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, internal staff, University community and the public Work cooperatively and effectively with others to identify and resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
Maintain confidentiality of records and information Display excellent judgment and decision making Follow through on projects with little supervision Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
Prompt and reliable attendance.
Demonstrate support of the Foundation’s mission and beliefs.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree Minimum of four years or more in major gift, planned gift, leadership gift development or similar comparable professional experience that would lend to transferable skills.
Experience in creating and executing strategic plans, or relatable skill Strong analytical skills High level of integrity, dependability, and sound judgment Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines Ability to lead and motivate volunteers Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to building teams and fostering a best place to work culture Excellent communication skills Strong technology skills Willingness and ability to travel Preferred Qualifications: Master’s or other advanced degree Strong background in a higher education environment from an institutionally-related foundation setting Previous knowledge or experience working with or for an athletic department Physical and Mental Demands: Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.
Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office, determine what others have said or written, critical thinking and converse with others and exchange accurate information.
Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and within the community.
May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving objects.
Occasionally required to move, raise, reach and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds.
The position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities, duties, and requirements: but to describe the standard level of work being performed.
Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the business.
The NDSU Foundation reserves the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.
The NDSU Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.
S.
veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises, as applicable.