Position Summary: The Director of Advancement supervises the day-to-day function of the fund development and alumni engagement team. This person collaborates with the Vice President of Advancement to provide strategic, functional, and effective leadership toward the development and implementation of a comprehensive fund development plan that meets or exceeds Mount Mary's budget requirements on an annual basis. Functions of this role includes fundraising, alumni engagement, donor stewardship, relationship management, developing cases for support, alumni communication, special projects and staff management. Fundraising efforts include major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving and special events. This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, strong leadership and management experience, and a deep commitment to Mount Mary's mission and values. Responsibilities: Fundraising (60%)
- Develops, establishes and implements the infrastructure needed to grow contributions to the University through the solicitation of annual gifts, special events, and corporate and foundation support.
- Identifies, develops, solicits, cultivates and stewards key relationships with donors and prospects.
- Expands and diversifies donor base/pipeline and works closely with other team members to secure funding for existing and new initiatives.
- Develops and executes annual fundraising strategy.
- Coordinates and manages special campaigns.
- Monitors and reports regularly on the progress of the fund development results and strategy.
- Manages capital campaigns, engaging and overseeing capital campaign firms as necessary.
- Works collaboratively with other departments including finance and marketing.
- Supports university fundraising events and solicitations.
- Collaborates and supports the Vice President in strategic planning of programs and new initiatives.
- Recruits volunteers to assist with fundraising activities.
Leadership and Management Responsibilities (40%)
- Manages division budgets for fund development and alumni engagement.
- Directly supervises Development Officers and Database Manager.
- Trains and mentors Advancement staff and communicates fundraising goals and progress.
- Supports board members as they take on a more active fundraising role.
- Participates fully in the organization's annual events.
- Carries out ad hoc duties as needed.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience with progressively responsible fundraising, business development and/or sales experience.
- Strong leadership and management skills with a minimum of 5 years experience managing a team of fundraising professionals.
- Ability to set goals, measure accountability, motivate teams, and provide guidance and support.
- Past experience developing, managing and implementing fundraising campaigns and events.
- Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on building and maintaining strong relationships.
- Above average communications skills, both oral and written, as well as excellent listening skills to find mutually beneficial solutions for donors and the university.
- Ability to make and deliver presentations to clearly share information that responds directly to audiences.
- Desire to embrace and ability to articulate the mission and values of Mount Mary.
- Flexibility and adaptability to a fast pace, and ability to manage multiple assignments.
- Create strategies and follow through on tactical implementation while monitoring and measuring results.
- Self-motivated team player who can work individually without supervision and effectively with others on project teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize workload and respond to change.
- Knowledge of fund development best practices and related IRS regulations.
- Knowledge of public and private funding opportunities particularly in southeast Wisconsin.
- Knowledge of and ability to utilize donor software. Past experience with Raiser's Edge preferred.
- Flexibility to travel occasionally.
- Occasional weekend and evening work.
Working Conditions
- Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year
- Complete work required within a limited space
- Complete work required within a limited time
Mount Mary University encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is vitally committed to all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates and all will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other groups protected by law. Mount Mary seeks to hire and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its mission, vision, and values. For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Mount Mary please visit