Description

The University of Pikeville is seeking an innovative and inspiring Director of Major Gifts to join our dynamic Advancement team. We are in the public phase of an exciting capital campaign that is transforming our campus and expanding opportunities for students across the region. This individual will play a pivotal role in cultivating meaningful relationships with donors and securing transformative support that advances the university’s mission and strategic priorities.

The Director of Major Gifts is charged with raising private financial gifts for the university. The primary responsibility is to meet or exceed annual and multi-year fundraising goals by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, securing, and stewarding prospects and donors capable of individual gifts in excess of $10,000.

This position is actively engaged in establishing long-term partnerships and strengthening existing relationships with alumni, friends, and corporate and community partners that will result in funding for immediate and long-term goals for the benefit of the undergraduate programs. 

Responsibilities:

• Work within a comprehensive institutional advancement strategy to plan and execute a development plan, which includes identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift donors ($10,000+), while working independently and/or collaboratively with volunteers.
• Meet or exceed annual goals specified for fundraising performance, frequency of contacts, number of successful solicitations, etc.
• Manage a major gift prospect base of between 125 to 150 qualified major gift prospects.
• Be able to travel 30% of the time, including overnight and occasional weekends.
• Document contacts and adhere to policies and procedures for accepting, recording and acknowledging gifts.
• Work closely with Advancement & Alumni and Marketing & Communications offices to maximize the fundraising potential of the university.
• Manage stewardship of endowed scholarships for designated colleges and/or programs.
• Meet deadlines and budget requirements.
• Meet performance measures and evaluate effectiveness of all projects.
• Build a pipeline of donor-centered major and planned gift prospects, ensuring they are cultivated in an appropriate and deliberate manner leading to the solicitation of major gifts.
• Develop strategic relationships among faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers, friends, students, corporations, foundations and campus colleagues that result in effective partnerships and increased philanthropic funding.
• Ensure timely, accurate documentation of contacts and cultivation strategies, proposals, pledges, fund agreements, etc.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree is required.
• Proven track record – multiple years of fundraising or sales experience required with demonstrated success at meeting annual and/or campaign goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Superior relationship building skills, proven success in goal achievement.
• Ability to travel on behalf of the University.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and contact information for three to five professional references.