Job Listings

Position Summary 

The University of Arizona Foundation is seeking a motivated and goal-oriented professional to join the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team as lead Director of Development (DOD) for the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. The successful candidate will work to secure gifts of $50,000 or more to further the goals and objectives of the College, as well as design and implement fundraising strategies that will generate revenue and drive the growth of the College's mission.

The lead DOD will be a key member of the development team reporting to the Senior Vice President, Health Sciences Development. This position is a member of the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Team (PAE) and subject to joint management by the University of Arizona and the University of Arizona Foundation as specified in the restated Development Services and Asset Management Agreement dated July 2, 2021.

Supervisory Responsibility 

The lead DOD will be accountable for performance planning and evaluation, staff training and development, recruitment, and may contribute to recommending pay decisions for their direct reports.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead key fundraising priority initiatives for the College. Serve as a leadership partner with key department heads, center directors, and administrators on fundraising priorities and development operations initiatives.
• Advise the Dean of the College and President of the University of Arizona Foundation or designee on all matters related to development activities within the College.
• Participate with the Dean and the College's departments in the strategic planning of new projects and initiatives.
• Support the Dean in managing the activities of the College's National Board of Advisors and Alumni Council.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with the College/unit leadership, faculty, board members, alumni, volunteers, donors, and financial professionals.
• Responsible for building and maintaining a healthy portfolio defined for Lead DODs as: 50-70 assigned prospects with 40-50 in cultivation/solicitation; 40% of those in cultivation/solicitation capacity rated at $250K+ and 10% rated at $1M+.
• Develop and execute strategic, personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for an assigned portfolio ($50,000 capacity or greater) of donor prospects (individual, corporate, and foundation) through personal meetings (in-person or via live video conferencing platforms), letters, phone calls, email, text messaging and other methods.
• Effectively initiate and complete Qualification Plans per PAE standards to develop new major gift prospects.
• Plan, coordinate, and schedule weekly personal meetings with prospects and donors utilizing UAF software, introductory letters, emails/texts, and phone calls to set appointments.
• Direct and manage the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift level individuals, corporate and foundation prospects to support all department capital and program goals.
• Execute the College's portion of a university-wide capital campaign to ensure the College's campaign goals are met.
• After an initial 6-month onboarding period, execute an agreed-upon metric of at least 100 current or prospect donor meetings and the successful closure of 15+ major/principal gift proposals per year, with an expectation of $1M+ raised after the initial onboarding period (with incremental increases after the first year).
• Develop personalized strategies for all assigned donors and prospects which builds, maintains, and enhances relationships while furthering donors' philanthropic objectives.
• Design and manage solicitation and stewardship plans in UAF CRM platform to support fundraising initiatives.
• Maintain current and accurate records of donor prospects recorded in UAF CRM platform. In a timely manner, but no less frequently, than on a weekly basis, enter contact reports of all meetings, significant conversations, letters and correspondence, gift solicitations, and other communications with donors.
• Develop an annual report and fundraising plans with specific goals. Develop and achieve short and long-term strategic development plans.
• Assist in determining staffing needs, making hiring decisions, and working to onboard new development team members.
• Serve as a mentor to the development staff.
• Partner on development events as needed.
• Oversee an annual giving program with a national outreach to support college goals.
• In partnership with PAE, provide a high level of support in stewardship and recognition efforts for annual giving donors.
• Provide input and direction for development-focused newsletters, invitations, brochures, and other publications/communications, as needed.
• Ensure all contributions are properly documented and handled in accordance with the University of Arizona Gift Policy.
• Partner with College and PAE alumni engagement colleagues to help build donor pipeline for the College.
• Partners with, and effectively utilize, the development professionals and resources of the PAE, including campus-based development teams, the offices of Regional Development; Gift Planning; Leadership and Annual Giving (telephone, direct-mail, and e-solicitation services); Alumni Engagement; Marketing and Communications; Prospect Development; Financial Services; Information Services; and Foundation Relations and other PAE Central services.
• Creatively leverage outreach activities (e.g. tours, lectures, exhibits, etc.) to develop new major gift prospects.
• Utilize the common systems, policies and procedures adhered to by PAE team members.
• Support and promote a culture of philanthropy across the University and work effectively as part of the greater PAE.
• Represent the College, University and PAE at public events, including delivering remarks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Ability to understand and follow all Federal, UA and UAF policies and procedures, including UA scholarship and financial aid policies, as well as the University of Arizona Gift Policy.
• Knowledge and understanding of development and fundraising principles and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong ability to create personal relationships, and proven success in executing moves management actions and closing six-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Ability to effectively communicate the University of Arizona mission, strategic plan, and case for philanthropic support.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with donors, PAE colleagues, and UA faculty, administration, and staff members.
• Experience developing and executing plans for large fundraising initiatives. 
• Ability to make good decisions and to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to maintain donor confidentiality.
• Ability to make policy decisions when necessary.
• Ability to motivate and manage individuals for maximum performance.
• Ability to understand and work with budgetary procedures and policies.
• Willingness and ability to make introductory phone calls to get appointments with donor prospects. 
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create personal relationships.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent initiative and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as MS Office products and CRM software.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, program, or function is required.
• Ability to drive/attend meetings throughout Arizona and travel by commercial airline as needed.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education approved by Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Fundraising experience in a higher education setting.
• Ability to work across multiple teams and diverse priorities.
• Demonstrated success in planning, organizing, and managing fundraising campaigns.
• Experience building advisory boards and committee structures. 
• Experience in administration and management of programs.

Work Environment

• Regular in-state and national travel is required.        
• The lead DOD will be required to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary.

The University of Arizona Foundation reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.