Director of Institutional Giving

Job Title

Director of Institutional Giving

Agency

Texas A&M University – Commerce

Department

Vice President Of Philanthropy & Engagement

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the “My Experience ” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.) ” to upload required documents. 

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.
• Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document, instead please email HR for help.

Please provide the following documents :

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance of verbal offer). 
  If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective faculty member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

If you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected]

SUMMARY:

The Director of Institutional Giving is a frontline fundraising position, responsible for managing a portfolio of 75+ corporation and foundation prospects with the ability to make major gifts (defined as $25,000+). The primary focus of this position is to identify and cultivate relationships with corporations and foundations whose mission and goals align with organizational priorities in order to actively solicit major gifts for the University, its colleges, and priority programs in alignment with the University’s and Division’s strategic plans. Develops, coordinates, and maintains comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Works closely with deans, board members, philanthropy operations, and other faculty and staff to promote and grow a robust culture of philanthropy to meet the financial goals of the institution.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Director of Institutional Giving will:

• manage and grow a portfolio of 75+ foundation and corporate prospects and donors based primarily in the Northeast Texas region with the capacity to make grants ranging from $25,000 – $500,000+, supporting multiple areas of the University;
• conduct donor visits regularly and often with a goal of 60 – 75+ meaningful visits per year, including qualifying at least 24 prospects per year;
• submit at least three solicitations of $500,000+ and 24 solicitations of $25,000 – $499,999 each year;
• create gift opportunities with internal partners (deans, faculty members, athletics, and Philanthropy & Engagement colleagues) to meet organizational priorities and pursue funding in support of these goals;
• identify foundation and corporate prospects;
• write letters of inquiry, corporate pitches, concept papers, and research briefings;
• visit with foundation and corporate prospects to establish contacts, qualify prospects, present ideas, develop networks, promote understanding of University programs and priorities, request invitations for proposals, and conduct stewardship;
• strategically partner with A&M-Commerce Leadership, volunteers, and staff on such visits and prepare with pre-meeting planning and post-meeting debriefing and follow up;
• develop, write, and carry out prospect engagement strategies by identifying, qualifying, and cultivating prospects, determining amount and timing of requests;
• write and oversee the creation of proposals;
• solicit prospects in face-to-face meetings;
• provide verbal and written communication necessary to secure gifts and deliver appropriate stewardship (including corporate engagement) and report on gifts made to the organization;
• determine an effective sequence of work, including planning and monitoring activity timelines for each donor or prospect including proposal due dates, reporting dates, cultivation and stewardship activities, and managing simultaneous proposals and strategies while meeting required deadlines;
• coordinate with University and academic leadership, Philanthropy & Engagement colleagues, finance, and marketing to develop proposal budgets, deliver engagement opportunities, and monitor deliverables for grant contracts;
• work with Philanthropy & Engagement counterparts in coordinated activities, such as joint grant requests and stewardship to secure optimum gifts, and participate in collaborative team meetings; and
• prepare internal teams for foundation site visits and corporate engagement, and implement donor recognition.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or related experience is required. 
• Experience: A minimum five years of experience in progressive nonprofit fundraising roles, including strategizing around, securing funding from, and stewarding large institutional partners.
• Knowledge / Skills: A commitment to A&M-Commerce’s mission to educate, discover, and achieve; knowledge of and experience with Texas’ philanthropic community, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Northeast Texas region; outstanding organization and time management skills to function efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated environment; an ability to create compelling written and oral communications for fundraising; ability to convey complex ideas via presentations, e-mails, and face-to-face communications; experience writing grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports for institutions; experience developing and sustaining productive relationships with foundation staff and corporate partners; experience developing and executing corporate engagement opportunities including networking events, and volunteer engagement activities; basic accounting skills and an understanding of nonprofit financial practices; and an ability to coordinate with internal staff to develop proposals, budgets and accompanying materials.
• Ability to: Multitask, follow through, and work individually and cooperatively as part of the Philanthropy & Engagement team. Ability to present information clearly and concisely. Ability to manage several large grants, relationships, and projects simultaneously. Ability to quickly learn and utilize people, resources, and information across the campus. Ability to work well with colleagues and students.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: Valid Driver’s license required.
• Physical Requirements: None
• Other Requirements: Frequent travel averaging about 40% of time spent out of the office. Travel may include some air travel and overnight stays.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree preferred. Raiser’s Edge NXT experience. Higher education fundraising experience. Capital campaign experience. Bilingual.

• Licensing/Professional Certifications: CFRE or Blackbaud certifications.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS: None

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.