Develops charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation. Identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of $25,000 or more in support of University objectives. Meets defined visit and solicitation goals and works closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals. Works with guidance from supervisors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Cultivates and solicits donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with volunteers, deans, and other staff. Requests assistance from the deans, school directors, faculty, athletic department, volunteers and other USM Foundation staff with specific stewardship, cultivation and solicitation needs as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
- Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
- Manages a portfolio of prospective donors with input and assistance from the Chief Development Officer. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures that all assigned prospects are being managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
- Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense reports on a timely basis.
- Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with at least one year of development or similar experience at a university or other comparable fundraising organization, or equivalent professional experience in outside sales. Must have a valid MS driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results
- Reliable and punctual
- Honest and cooperative
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Professional and respectful
- Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one’s own time
- Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
- Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
- Good attention to detail
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people
- Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, and garner the confidence of stakeholders
- Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
- Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents
- Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
- Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
- Seeks opportunities for professional development
- Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
- Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.