POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of University Advancement Relations
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1788
GRADE 45
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Executive Director of University Advancement Relations
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of University Advancement Relations oversees the Scholarship Manager Software System daily activity to successfully administer MSU Foundation Scholarships on the Springfield and West Plains campus. Determines the financial amount of Foundation scholarship awards, monitors compliance with donor agreement guidelines, serves as a liaison with the Office of Student Financial Aid and over eighty scholarship committees on campus to facilitate communication. This position coordinates the scholarship notification and donor thank you process, student promotional efforts on the Springfield campus and reports on privately funded scholarships to University Advancement and other MSU constituents to demonstrate impact of private support. This position supervises the Assistant Director of University Advancement Relations- West Plains with best practices and aligning the scholarship process for Foundation funded West-Plains scholarships with the process on the Springfield campus and ensure those practices are successfully met on the West Plains campus.
The Director of University Advancement Relations assists in all aspects of planning and executing University Advancement and University special events and projects.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or another business-related field. A Master’s Degree preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least five years of successful professional experience in a related role is required. A record of prior demonstrated experience in fundraising, development and supervision or other related work is preferred.
Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with all ages are required. Strong written and oral communication skills are required. Proficiency with computer skills, such as Microsoft Office products, word processing and Excel or other related spreadsheet software, is required. Database management experience is preferred. Must be detail-oriented and have excellent follow-through and planning abilities; must be able to manage deadlines. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: Occasionally required to lift and move boxes of materials and equipment weighing twenty-five to fifty pounds.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Supervises the Assistant Director of University Advancement Relations- West Plains with best practices and aligning the scholarship process for foundation funded West Plains scholarships with those of the Springfield campus2. Promotes Foundation scholarships by increasing awareness of scholarships amongst students, families, and other constituencies through managing Universities web pages, creating promotional materials, and utilizing existing publications.
3. Manages the MSU Foundation Annual Scholarship Application process for students and assists students in their application when needed.
4. Monitors active scholarship accounts to ensure that scholarships are awarded within established guidelines and evaluates account balances and fund sustainability.
5. Identifies scholarships that need revision due to changes in the University or the applicant pool and ensures the usability of scholarship funds.
6. Coordinates the implementation and maintenance of the Scholarship Manager (SM) software program, including entering fund, scholarship, and other information needed.
7. Directs training on the scholarship process and the SM software for designated staff in the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) and University Advancement as well as Scholarship Committees throughout campus by collaborating with the Assistant Director, OSFA.
8. Serves as a liaison with the Foundation, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and scholarship committees across campus.
9. Works with the Office of Student Financial Aid concerning student awards and scholarships, develops, implements, and disseminates policies and procedures to be used by scholarship committees in determining Foundation scholarship award selections, and facilitates the flow of financial information to campus scholarship committees prior to awards.
10. Coordinates the scholarship notification and donor thank you processes
11. Assures good donor relations by assuming primary responsibility for working closely with scholarship and endowment gift donors and gift officers.
12. Prepares and reviews all donor agreements and associated paperwork which facilitates scholarship and endowment giving including the collection of agreements and other documentation to manage and administer the terms and provisions of individual donations
13. Serves as the Foundation scholarship and Scholarship Manager point of contact in meetings and in answering questions coming from inside and outside of the University as well as, reports metrics on an annual basis to assess the University’s performance in awarding privately funded scholarships.
14. Assists the Executive Director of University Advancement Relations on all aspects of planning and executing a variety of Foundation and University events, approximate 40-60 each year.
15. Take lead role to plan and execute University and University Advancement events as assigned.
16. Enhances the ability of the University to meet fund-raising goals by communicating a complete understanding of giving programs available through the Missouri State University Foundation and possessing a knowledge of the advantages of membership in various gift recognition clubs.
17. Assures donor confidentiality as well as the confidentiality of the projects undertaken by the Division for University Advancement by conducting all personal contacts and communications with donors in a professional manner.
18. Facilitates good University and donor relations by representing the Division for University Advancement at functions and meetings as assigned and working with donors and potential donors, alumni, students, friends, and various constituencies of the University to strengthen their ties to Missouri State University.
19. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
20. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing contacts with colleagues, attending professional development training, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Executive Director of University Advancement Relations.
21. Supports the Division for University Advancement by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
This position supervises the Assistant Director of University Advancement Relations – West Plains, graduate assistants, and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED AUGUST 2024
