Senior Executive Director of Development and Chief Development Officer

Aug 5

UMass Amherst Foundation
Amherst, MA

Anticipated Start Date: Open until filled

Description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF) seeks an experienced, high-energy, and results-oriented Senior Executive Director of Development and Chief Development Officer (CDO) to work closely with the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) to support their contributions toward a better Commonwealth, a better country, and a better planet through world-class social science education and research-based in our diverse understandings of human behavior, the common good, and how to advance the well-being of all with justice and equity. The CDO will create, plan, advance and implement a wide range of fundraising activities, strategies, programs and priorities, as part of the University's next comprehensive campaign and in support of the College’s strategic plan.

The CDO will join UMAF at a time of transformation and growth as it prepares for the public launch of Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst, which has a working goal of $600 million. This is a unique opportunity to leverage the fundraising potential that exists and to follow multiple pathways into collaborative, interdisciplinary and thematic giving opportunities that will significantly increase private support for the University and the College as it nurtures fearless thinkers who challenge conventional wisdom and develop revolutionary ideas and solutions for our society's most critical issues.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development, the CDO will assume and build out a national portfolio of individuals, corporations, and foundations rated at the major and principal gift levels ($50K-$1M+) with likely geographic emphasis on prospects and donors in the Northeast (Massachusetts and D.C.) and Florida. In addition to fundraising responsibilities, the CDO will partner closely with the Dean, manage a growing team of high-performing fundraisers and development professionals, lead an engaged Advisory Council, and actively pursue collaborations with colleagues across UMAF that benefit interdisciplinary programs.

The CDO will be expected to develop a compelling case for support, create strategic plans, proposals, and marketing materials to advance the development agenda for this College; develop a robust pipeline of planned gifts; stretch to close gifts and meet established goals; and initiate joint solicitations with members of the UMAF Leadership Team and other fundraising colleagues, as well as College faculty, staff, and volunteers as appropriate. They will strategically make use of the Dean’s time and efforts to advance key relationships and gift discussions, taking the lead in donor strategy and making the ask, identifying and pursuing mutually beneficial relationships, and delivering timely, transparent communication to internal and external constituents.

The CDO will also motivate, lead, and advocate for a hybrid/remote team of fundraising, engagement, and donor relations professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment, implementing accountability measures, and tracking progress toward fundraising goals. The ideal candidate is relationship-driven and donor-centric with a track record of fundraising success at 6-figure gift levels and above; shows an ability to think and act strategically with meticulous follow-through; exhibits diplomacy, creativity, and the confidence to initiate solicitations and close gifts independently while communicating actively with the Dean.

They will exhibit an “all-in” mentality, ready to roll up their sleeves, contribute to the development team's success, and support each team member. The CDO will bring a curiosity and sincere interest in the academic and research pursuits within the College; and demonstrate cultural fluency, empathy, and high emotional intelligence along with the skills needed to handle complex organizational details and project manage a variety of tasks.

Responsibilities

Fundraising (60%)

Actively maintain a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and cultivate, solicit, and steward them on behalf of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Craft and present proposals for major/principal gift solicitations and prepare other fundraising materials to be used to maximize philanthropy for the College's key strategic priorities.
Ensure continuous progress in moving assigned donors through the donor cycle (e.g., qualify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward).
Document all quality contacts and moves management strategies through the use of the prospect tracking system (Advance).
Collaborate with central advancement such as planned giving, principal gifts, and corporate and foundation relations on major gift proposals.
Provide excellent briefing, follow-up, and other support materials that include prospect strategy, meeting objectives, and next steps for strategic partners.

Development Leadership (30%)

Manage, inspire, and lead a growing team of development officers and development support staff.
Create annual performance goals and meet with direct reports regularly to ensure progress towards goals.
In partnership with the Assistant Vice President of Development, the Dean, and the college’s senior leadership, plan, implement, and execute the College's campaign goals that complement the University's comprehensive campaign objectives.
Create and implement programs to build stronger relationships with external and internal constituencies, including alumni, parents, business leaders, faculty and staff through careful cultivation and stewardship activities.
Provide strategic direction on annual giving and stewardship activities, maintaining a focus on ideal outcomes of collaboration and continuous improvement in donor relations.
Oversee the budget for the College’s development activities; ensure efficient use of resources and the completion of reports associated with this fiduciary responsibility.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

UMAF is building and growing, and this position will support those efforts with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Minimum eight (8) years of prior experience with face-to-face fundraising in higher education or within a similarly complex nonprofit organization with proven success closing 6- and ideally 7-figure gifts independently and in coordination with others.
Candidates with prior experience providing leadership, management, and strategic direction to a development/ advancement team, or volunteer groups will be prioritized.
A leadership style that is open and provides support and autonomy to staff and collaborators, and that creates strong teams who are motivated and focused on achieving goals.
An affinity for or interest in key issues in social science curricula and programs, including access, research, evolving technologies, co-curricular and experiential learning.
Willingness to travel including overnight and occasional weekends.
Must have a valid driver's license, the ability to obtain a driver's license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$160,000 - $180,000

How to Apply for this Job

sbs-cdo@pearlstreetcollective.com

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