Executive Director for Development at McMurry University

Denise Mattie

Executive Director for Development

About McMurry University:

As a United Methodist institution grounded in traditions of intellectual achievement and vital piety, McMurry nurtures and cares for students as they face the many challenges of higher education. The institution provides the support necessary to encourage students to grow as whole persons – spiritually, emotionally, morally, intellectually, socially, and physically. The McMurry community expresses its Christian principles through hospitality and gracious interactions with those who do and those who do not identify with the Christian faith. The institution encourages connections between people of varying circumstances, cultures, languages, and beliefs.

Position Summary:
The Executive Director for Development (EDD) reports to the Vice President for Advancement and maintains a strong working relationship with prospect management and fundraising activities. The EDD is an active member of the Institutional Advancement team who works collaboratively and strategically with the college president, other fundraising professionals, faculty, deans, staff, campus leaders, and external constituents.

The Executive Director for Development position is full-time equivalent with evening and weekend requirements. The EDD is evaluated based on criteria including quantity and quality of contacts and the resulting funds raised.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
*Manages a portfolio of major / planned gift donors / prospects ($25K - $500,000+) that includes alumni, parents, friends, and key stakeholders of the College.
*Will set the example for Development Staff for expected number of visits, proposals, and closes.
*Leads authentically and passionately the Development Office and staff which includes major gifts, planned gifts, annual giving, and corporate and foundation relations.
*Leads all aspects of the Moves Management process in conjunction with the DAS.
*Initiates contacts with potential major and planned gift donors.
*Develops authentic relationships.
*Develops appropriate cultivation and solicitation strategies, including volunteers as needed.
*Moves prospects in a timely fashion to solicitation and closure.
*Maintains direct stewardship contact; monitors other contacts to ensure positive and purposeful donor relations.
*Effectively manages the Development staff to ensure timely submission of contact and expense reports and utilization of the technical tools of fundraising.
*Develops processes and procedures to ensure that all efforts help meet Advancement Division goals.
*Helps to integrate Development efforts with the Alumni Office as well as the Advancement Services Office.
*Focuses on securing gifts for campus-wide priorities that include, but may not be limited to general endowment, academic programs, endowed chairs, scholarships, unrestricted support, facility renovations, new facilities, and campus improvements.
*Offers strategy counsel to the president, vice president, and Advancement staff. Participates in key on-campus and off-campus events for the purposes of donor cultivation, enhancing familiarity with the ATU experience, and working collaboratively with Advancement staff.
*Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of best practices in Development.
Knowledge of integrating Development Office into the Advancement Division.
Ability to create a framework for comprehensive solicitations.
Ability to motivate and lead Development Office.
Ability to travel extensively.
Understanding of working with academic units.
Can effectively communicate the institutional message with internal and external constituents.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum of five years of progressive experience in Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and Annual Giving or related field
Experience writing, making presentations, and communicating with all levels of an institution
Experience initiating contacts, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies, and managing a major gifts portfolio
Experience leading and inspiring staff
Experience organizing, managing projects and multi-functional areas with a demonstrated record of completing assignments

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree
Minimum of five years of progressive experience in Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and Annual Giving preferably in higher education
Experience promoting strategic fundraising priorities
Experience working in state assisted institutions
Experience leading Moves Management process
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude
Experience making complex decisions
Experience working with tact and discretion concerning confidential information
Ability to travel extensively

What to Submit:
Cover letter, resume, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus full benefit package including excellent health insurance, vacation, retirement package, and tuition remission.

To be considered for the Executive Director for Development position, all applications must be received and processed through our applicant tracking system Jenzebar. This position will remain posted and open until filled although immediate availability is desired. Please go to https://mcm.peopleadmin.com/postings/3724 to apply.

This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

McMurry University is an EO/AA employer committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.