Director of Development- College of Applied Studies

Director of Development
- College of Applied Studies

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a talented, dynamic, dedicated, and self‑motivated individual as the Director of Development for our College of Applied Studies with our fundraising team. As the Director of Development, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective donors. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation.

The WSU College of Applied Studies comprises five departments whose synergy provides a powerful understanding of life span development and academic innovation in living and learning. It prepares teachers, school professionals, school counselors, educational psychologists, exercise scientists, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, and community and organizational leaders for careers.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With nearly $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.

• Identification and Prospective Donors
  • Collaborate with the Data Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential major gift donors.
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors through research, networking, and outreach.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Development for Engineering and other senior leadership to create and execute strategies for donor identification.
• Cultivation and Solicitation
  • Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors to achieve giving goals.
  • Develop and implement personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a select group of high-net‑work donors.
  • Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create high‑quality communication with major and principal donors through customized proposal, presentation, and engagement activities.
  • Communicate and be the liaison between assigned college/departments and WSUFAE by coordinating prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with college dean.
  • Build and maintain meaningful relationships with prospects through personalized outreach, meetings, and events.
  • Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor based on their interests and capacity to give.
  • Lead or assist in the coordination of gift solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.
• Gift Solicitation and Closing
  • Actively work towards meeting established annual targets and objectives, collaborating with team members to ensure cohesive efforts.
  • Develop and execute strategies to secure financial support in alignment with both personal, team, and WSUFAE’s fundraising goals.
  • Lead the solicitation of major and principal gifts with donors in your portfolio and close contributions that support WSU’s priorities.
• Administrative Duties
  • Develop and manage an annual budget for fund‑raising activities and professional development.
  • Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with WSUFAE’s goals.
  • Maintain accurate computer and paper files as necessary.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.
• Three years of major gift development experience ($50,000 or more) in higher education or equivalent experience.
• Must be willing to travel with occasional weekend and evening duties.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurance.
• Must meet position metrics which include varying fundraising objectives that may change year to year.
• Project a professional image at all times.
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Service.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Highly motivated and able to work effectively independently or as part of a team.
• Maintain confidentiality of…