Development Director

Development Director for the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering

The Development Director for the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering assists donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals while simultaneously working to help South Dakota State University advance its mission. This individual will work closely with the Dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and college leadership team on engagement of donors and prospects with great potential to support the college's priority funding objectives. This individual will work with the SDSU Foundation Leadership to set the strategic direction for fundraising efforts and implement a comprehensive plan for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts to increase support and achieve goals that truly make a difference within the college.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Relationships and Fundraising

• Solicit donations to increase philanthropic support for the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and South Dakota State University, focusing on commitments of $50,000 of more.
• Establish and manage relationships in an evolving portfolio of approximately 75 to 125 prospects and donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Build and nurture collaborative, donor-centric long-term relationships with major gift donors.
• Ensure consistent, appropriate, and timely stewardship through personal recognition, ongoing communications, and invitations to key events.
• Effectively match the interests of prospects and donors to specific college and university needs.
• Draft and customize correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for identified prospects and donors.

Strategy and Prospect Management

Engagement with University Partners

Travel and Event Attendance

Other Duties

Education and Previous Experience

Bachelor's degree is required. Minimum of three years of professional fundraising experience or appropriate related experience (such as public relations, sales, marketing, or alumni relations) required. Background within Higher Education fundraising is preferred.

Additional Qualifications

Typical Physical Demands

Requires sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and some lifting. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office and / or clerical equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Employee Statement of Understanding

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Regular attendance is required in this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The SDSU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.