Senior Director, Development

About Us

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Job Summary

Responsible for overall Major Gift Fundraising and support programs for assigned College(s) and volunteer engagement. Serves as a strategic partner with Central Advancement, Donor Relations Alumni, Annual Giving and Development ensuring conformity with the central fundraising efforts and the overall University development and alumni programs and goals. Promotes a culture of philanthropy and service by broadening constituents' understanding of the value of giving resources, time and expertise.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: -
1. Maintains continuous contact with volunteers, prospects, donors, and lapsed donors throughout the strategic assignments via in person, email, Skype, phone and/or mail
2. Responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects for assigned College and/or Centers, Programs, Institutes and special initiatives
3. Focuses on individual, corporate and foundation prospects primarily at the $100,000 level and above, focusing on prospect gifts of $1 million or more
4. Coordinates solicitation with colleagues across the University
5. Assists assigned and department leaders in the planning and implementation of all fundraising and alumni activities
6. Researches industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices
7. Implements changes to maintain competitiveness and meet established goals and objectives as determined by strategic plan
8. Designs solicitation strategies on case-by-case basis maintaining focus on needs and procedures
9. Assists and collaborates with the KSU Alumni Association to offer engagement opportunities with Alumni (Nest) activities and other alumni engagement strategies

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience
Five (5) years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in developing solicitation strategies
Certified Fund Raising Executive or similar certification preferred

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience
Previous experience with major and/or leadership gift or related fundraising experience
Prior experience in a college or university setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Able to be strategic and analytical
Able to manage a significant volume of diverse tasks, activities and projects, including both tactical and strategic projects
Able to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system
Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.

Other Information

This is not a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 50% - 74% of the time
This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education
• DMV

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf