Executive Director of Development

Executive Director of Development

As a member of the University Advancement leadership team, shares responsibility for strategic decisions, including setting goals and priorities, to maximize philanthropic outreach and support for Midwestern State University. Leads a team of major gifts officers (pending approval and implementation of expansion plan for UA staff), providing mentorship, guidance, and support as needed. Develops and manages an assigned portfolio of donors and prospective donors including participation in the identification of prospective donors, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities intended to result in current gifts of $25,000 or greater. Represents the Office of University Advancement with internal constituencies as assigned. This consists primarily of assisting deans and other university personnel to navigate through the processes involved with development activities.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA), the individual in this position will work directly with alumni and friends of Midwestern State University to build professional relationships that will lead to philanthropic support. This individual will work to engage these donors and prospective donors with MSU Texas by making connections to colleagues, students, and programs that will enhance the donors' experiences. She/he also will work closely with the VPUA to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive fundraising program, determining activities, engagements, and events strategically to build philanthropic capacity and results. It is anticipated that this individual also will have one to three direct reports serving as major gifts officers, pending approval of an expansion plan presently being developed, and directing and evaluating their performance and production in a collaborative and compassionate manner will be of paramount importance.

The work environment is on-campus, generally in a traditional office setting. Some travel, evening and weekend work is required.

A minimum of five to seven years of successful, increasingly responsible experience as a development (fundraising) officer for an educational institution (preferred) or a non-profit organization. Transferable skills from experience in related fields, such as sales or marketing, will be considered an asset, but some direct fundraising experience is required. Also desirable is a record of management and direct supervision of staff and projects to include goal setting, performance management, leadership development and strategic planning. A combination of relevant education, training, and experience totaling five to seven years may be deemed sufficient to meet this requirement.

Must be passionate about higher education in general and Midwestern State University's mission specifically, and should demonstrate professional flexibility, motivation, enthusiasm and an ability to work independently in a variety of interpersonal situations and settings. An ability to adapt to and help foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork, along with good humor and a generally positive outlook, will be an asset in this position.

Bachelor's degree (in any discipline) required. Master's or other advanced degree (in any discipline) preferred.

Demonstration of excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal, relationship-building skills. Must possess the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects to a successful completion. Must have the ability to work in a team environment where priorities may conflict, so consensus building is critical. Must be willing to work non-traditional hours, including evening and weekend hours; travel required and expected.*Designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX.

Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University's core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.