POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Development - West Plains
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1237
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Assistant Vice President for Development & Strategy
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Development - West Plains works directly with the Vice President for University Advancement and Assistant Vice President of Development & Strategy to identify, cultivate, and solicit potential donors and grow philanthropic participation for the institution. The Director also works closely with Advancement leadership, University administration, and appropriate faculty on campus to support the philanthropic strategic mission.
This role works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Prospect Development in determining which donors and prospects in their portfolio (consisting of alumni, friends, parents, businesses, foundations, and organizations) to approach based on research and other criteria. This collaborative effort, which may include the Chancellor and others from time to time, also assists in determining how to approach each potential donor, whether the potential donor would be more receptive to a formal written proposal or a verbal proposal, discussing options for potential outright and/or estate gifts, ways of giving, negotiating the policies and procedures for administration of their gifts, determining when travel to meet with donors is appropriate, exercising budgetary authority over the their travel and development budget, etc.
The position will coordinate and manage projects with appropriate University Advancement representatives for the MSU West Plains annual giving program, including direct solicitation through mail and social media, digital and web-based solicitations, and marketing to raise funds for University priorities.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of education requirements.
Experience: At least three years of successful professional experience is required, preferably in higher education fundraising or in a related career with a comparable, demonstrated, successful track record.
Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with all age groups are required. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. Organizational skills, particularly planning, setting deadlines, and evaluating progress, are required. Computer literacy, particularly in word processing, using Internet resources, and using databases, is required. Must be a self-starter committed to follow through. Experience working effectively in a diverse environment is preferred.
Other: The job frequently requires travel and attendance at evening and weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars, and workshops.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assures long-term financial support for Missouri State University – West Plains’ priorities by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors and prospective donors for major and planned gifts, managing a rated prospect list of at least seventy-five donors and prospective donors, and developing cultivation and solicitation for prospects.2. In collaboration with the Assistant Vice President of Development & Strategy, and the input of the Chancellor of the West Plains campus, develops and follows an annual work plan that encompasses major giving and annual giving fundraising and professional development.
3., Works to achieve metrics and goals of major gift fundraising as per Missouri State University Foundation development office standards.
4. In collaboration with the Executive Director of Prospect Development ensures development of a pipeline of qualified major gift prospects and how to organize pipeline management.
5. Enters detailed contact reports, strategic plans, and proposals for donors and prospects into the contact management tracking system in a timely manner in accordance with the policies and procedures of the MSU Foundation Office of Development.
6. In collaboration with the Assistant Vice President for Development & Strategy and other appropriate University Advancement representatives, develops, implements, and supervises MSU West Plains’ Annual Giving programs, including mail, social media, and digital solicitations.
7. Plans, executes, and ensures achievement of established goals for all annual funds campaigns, which include direct marketing, specialized campaigns on behalf of specific programs or departments, the Faculty/Staff campaign, address label mailing, and other campaign efforts as needed.
8. Drives programs and campaigns to increase participation of alumni, friends, and students in giving to provide a growing base of donors to support the University, as well as, analyzes qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources to drive continuously improved campaign performance.
9. Develops measurable goals and metrics to monitor the impact of annual giving activities on the success of donor acquisition and retention.
10. In collaboration with appropriate University Advancement representatives, plans and executes crowdfunding efforts and new fundraising initiatives, such as Giving Day, and electronic solicitations through targeted segmentations to achieve annual goals.
11. Manages budgets and directs communication at West Plains regarding annual funds, giving opportunities, and recognition of donors. 13. Assists with event promotion as neededand occasionally supervises volunteers to ensure their work activities are integrated with the mission of Missouri State University, Missouri State University – West Plains, and the MSU Foundation.
12. Creates annual report briefings for the Vice President for University Advancement, the Assistant Vice President of Development & Strategy, and the Chancellor by synthesizing the data from reports produced by the Foundation.
13. Assures donor confidentiality, as well as confidentiality regarding projects undertaken, by conducting all personal contacts and communications in a professional manner.
14. Facilitates the achievement of established goals by developing and maintaining cordial and professional working relationships with University administrative, support, and professional staff, and appropriate off-campus constituencies.
15. Plans and coordinates MSU – West Plains development activities by utilizing industry best practices and follows the annual work plan as developed with the MSU Foundation Development Office and in collaboration with the Chancellor.
16.In collaboration with the appropriate University Advancement representatives, assists with coordinating donor recognition events to provide stewardship to donors of the MSU West Plains campus.
17. Attends alumni events and reunions during Homecoming by working with appropriate University Advancement representatives and members of the MSU West Plains Development Office.
18. Assists in website functions and duties related to Major Giving, Planned Giving, Annual Giving, and Giving Day.
19. Assumes lead responsibility with fundraising events for the MSU West Plains Women in Philanthropy, and the Friends of the Garnett Library.
20. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Assistant Vice President for Development & Strategy.
21. Contributes to the success of Missouri State University West Plains by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of Development - West Plains performs little if any supervision of others.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2025