Senior Director of Development

About University Advancement

Georgia State University Advancement works to further Georgia State's status as a national leader in student success, research and innovation, and cultural impact. By connecting with alumni, engaging donors, and increasing philanthropic support for students and scholars, we are helping to transform lives and build our global community. The University Advancement Division furthers the university and its mission through several departments, including Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Alumni Relations, and the Georgia State University Foundation.

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge‑sharing organization that works collaboratively with cross‑campus and external partners
• Professional development opportunity and mentorship
• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

Under the leadership of the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement, the Senior Director of Development will be a major‑gift front‑line fundraiser, responsible for leading major gift strategies from identification through stewardship. Senior Directors manage individual portfolios with prospects capable of giving gifts in excess of $100,000. Portfolios range in size from 120–150 individuals; face‑to‑face visits will be 10–15 visits per month;

fundraising goals will be equivalent to, and at a minimum of, $1–2 M annually.

• Lead a comprehensive fundraising and donor‑relations program for current funding priorities and ongoing needs.
• Manage a portfolio of donor prospects in the most influential, complex, or highest capacity‑rated category.
• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and provide stewardship for individuals, corporations, and foundations capable of contributing major and principal gifts in excess of $100,000 to $1 M+.
• Develop and write leadership briefings, talking points, gift proposals, white papers, and informal descriptions for gift ideas.

• Present formal fundraising proposals to major donors and prospects.
• Serve as resource for assigned area of expertise, interacting with prospects, donors, staff, and outside professionals to provide information, advice, and counsel regarding assigned specialized program(s).
• Manage and mentor development staff toward achieving the development goals of the school.
• Prepare, monitor, report, and manage the annual budget for this unit in accordance with allocated budget.

• Develop, create, write, implement, and evaluate individualized marketing plans and/or strategies for cultivation and solicitation of major gifts, gift planning or corporate/foundation prospects.
• Plan and implement special events and programs designed to involve an increasingly wider circle of current and prospective donors.
• Perform range of activities related to donor recognition and stewardship.

• Serve as a thoughtful, collaborative, and accountable team member.
• Participate in university‑wide fundraising initiatives and committees.

• Commit to ethical standards and adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights.
• Perform other reasonably related business duties as requested.
• Work nights, weekends, and travel at least 15 % of the time.

• Minimum Hiring Standards: Bachelor's degree and two years of superior performance in face‑to‑face solicitation of gifts of $50,000 or more, or equivalent experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education and/or nonprofit organization;
  Knowledge of CRM software applications, such as Salesforce/Ascend.

• Complete and accurate GSU application.
• Resume.
• Cover letter outlining experiences as they relate to the purpose and mission of GSU Advancement.

Georgia State prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and…