Director of Development

Company: Bowling Green State University
Location: Bowling Green
Posted on: July 2, 2025

Job Description:

Director of Development Bowling Green State University Salary: Depends on Qualifications Job Type: Full-Time Division: V P University Advancement Opening Date: 06/26/2025 Location: Main Campus (BG), OH Job Number: BGSU00853 Department: V P University Advancement Closing: Continuous Summary The Director of Development will advance the mission of Bowling Green State University by securing private philanthropic gifts of $25,000 or more, which are aligned with the University's strategic objectives, programs and funding initiatives. This position requires a significant level of self-motivation, goal-orientation, attention to detail, and commitment to identifying, establishing and sustaining professional relationships with potential major donors, alumni and friends to advance the constituent's engagement with the University as a philanthropic supporter. Responsibilities will emphasize qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that work to secure major gifts in support of the university's fundraising priorities. Two Director of Development positions are intended to be hired from this search. Essential Functions Fundraising Actively manage and engage a portfolio of 130-150 major gift ($25,000) prospects. Advance relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. In consultation with supervisor, Advancement Services staff, and other leadership, create an annual personalized work plan for accomplishing specific goals and objectives that align with overall Advancement priorities. Actively participate in University Advancement's activities and meetings including, but not limited to, divisional meetings, strategic planning sessions, prospect management meetings, and team collaboration meetings. Coordinate prospect strategies and share call information with other fundraisers through personal communication and electronic contact reports. Work with Senior Directors of Development, AVP for Development and colleagues in Gift Planning, Annual Giving, Prospect Management, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Alumni Engagement and Advancement Services to achieve the stated goals and objectives of University Advancement, and to facilitate positive outcomes for constituents, as needed. Liaise to assigned college/unit/program(s), and/or as lead fund raiser for a geographic region, as assigned. Establish professional relationships with University leadership, deans, unit heads and faculty, and include them in engagement and solicitation strategies with key prospects and donors, as appropriate. Develop and implement a comprehensive short and long-term fundraising plan for assigned college/unit/program or geographic region, or combination thereof, to further the programs and fundraising initiatives of assigned area(s). Meet annual visit goals through personal travel/interaction, virtual meetings, or substantive phone calls. Meet annual solicitation and attainment goals as developed in consultation with supervisor and Advancement Services. Constituent Engagement Engage board members, volunteers, alumni and friends of the University through strategic personal communication, meetings, and events. Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the University, its programs, and strategic priorities. Actively participate in campus life, including attendance at key events such as Homecoming, athletic competitions, student performances, gift announcements, and groundbreakings and dedications. Host donors and prospects at events that advance stewardship and cultivate for future philanthropic support. Data and Process Record pertinent contacts (visits, emails, phone calls) with prospects and donors in University Advancement's database, timely and in accordance with divisional policies and procedures. Record and maintain accurate open proposals in University Advancement's database, timely and in accordance with divisional policies and procedures. Follow all established processes and policies as established by University and Advancement leadership. Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for University Advancement and the Assistant Vice President for Development. Minimum Qualifications The following Degree is required: Bachelor's degree required. Degree must be conferred at the time of application. The following Experience is required: 3 years experience in development or fundraising, in a paid professional position The following Experience is preferred: Experience in higher education or nonprofit Experience soliciting and closing gifts of $25,000 or higher Additional Information Knowledge Skills and Abilities Ability to promote the university's fundraising priorities by developing professional and strategic relationships with major donors, prospects, and other friends of the university. Ability to engage active listening skills and problem-solving mentality to help create a win-win for the donor and the university. Ability to think entrepreneurially and strategically regarding the identification and qualification of new potential donors for the university. Ability to work collaboratively and positively with university and divisional leadership and with other Advancement colleagues and campus partners. Ability to independently move prospects through the donor cycle from discovery/qualification to cultivation to solicitation to stewardship. Ability to draft proposals, fund agreements, and other documentation in collaboration with Advancement leadership, colleagues, and in consideration of university priorities and processes. Ability to work within complex data management systems and to maintain timely and appropriate donor records. Ability to maintain confidentiality and to operate with decorum and professionalism. Understanding or willingness to learn industry best practice, CASE guidelines, and BGSU-specific policies, processes, and procedures. Experience making asks and closing gifts at the major gift level. General understanding and respect for the roles and responsibilities of all areas within the Advancement organization, including but not limited to Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Advancement Services, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and more. Ability to review and interpret data as it relates to the role. Ability to work responsibly within a set budget. Willingness to employ all manner of appropriate communication to secure visits with prospective donors. This role will require local, regional, and national travel, with supervisor approval. Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook required; experience working in donor databases or other CRM's a plus. Required Documents to Upload to Application: Cover Letter and Resume Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by July 21, 2025. BGSU does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. Bowling Green State University is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to ensuring an equal employment opportunity for all applicants and encourage applications from all regardless of sex, race, veteran-status, disability, age, gender identity, genetic information, religion, or sexual orientation. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email ohr@bgsu.edu. To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/bgsu/jobs/4987228/director-of-development jeid-e22980aa62a3864b95762cbbcdbcb7d8

Keywords: Bowling Green State University, Southfield , Director of Development, Administration, Clerical , Bowling Green, Michigan