Director of Development

Carson-Newman University is a Christian, liberal arts-based University built upon the Lordship of Jesus Christ as evidenced historically and revealed in the Scriptures.
Job Title: Gift Officer
Department: Director for Development
Reports To: Vice President for University Relations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Time Requirements: Full-time, 40-plus hours a week with some nights, weekends, and travel required
Summary Description: The Gifts Officer is responsible for prospect identification, donor cultivation, and stewardship strategies. The officer reports progress weekly. Some nights, weekends, and travel required.
Functional Description:

As an intentionally Christian academic community, Christian employees are hired to advance the mission of Carson-Newman as expressed in our strategic plan, Acorns to Oaks.
Researching, identifying, proposing and helping establish potential new relationships for the advancement of Carson-Newman, its mission, vision and values
Ongoing database development of potential new relationships to be fostered by director, making use of gift reports, social media, and various online resources for prospect identification.
Strategically plans prospect stewardship and maintains 12-18 months cultivation plan encompassing following internal meaningful communications guidelines.
Assists in stewardship of existing C-N relationships
As part of the cultivation process, identifies prospect giving potential and projects that may align with their values/ability.
Monitors existing donor activity to identify opportunities for cultivation of major gifts and builds relationships with the University’s stakeholders.
Keeps excellent notes/records in writing as well as in Slate, the University’s CRM program.
Writes gift proposals/agreements ranging in size from $5,000 to $50,000, referring larger prospects to Vice President for University Relations.
When appropriate, makes verbal solicitations with donors.
Guards the reputation of the University, maintaining strict confidentiality in all University and donor matters and demonstrates the ability to use discretion in sharing information.
Is responsible for raising approximately $750,000 per year after an appropriate probationary/cultivation period has taken place.
All goals will be evaluated weekly and are subject to change.
Regular communication and communication with Advancement staff is essential.
Sharp attention to detail is essential.
Self-starter; able to self-motivate and maintain momentum/focus.
Other duties as requested
Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
Experience: A minimum of one year proven fundraising experience preferred.
Required Skills:
Excellent written and oral communication. Ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds. Superior organizational skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Basic working knowledge of Slate or similar CRM software.
Physical Demands: Able to travel occasionally. Extended amounts of time sitting at a computer. Periodically working events that require standing for extended periods of time as well as lifting items in excess of 30 pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job Reasonable accommodations will be made to assist individuals with disabilities in performance of these duties.
General Information: This description is designed to describe the general nature of the job and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and duties. It is the responsibility of the supervisor for this position to formally outline in writing any performance expectations including specific duties for which the employee assigned to this position will be held accountable in terms of performance evaluation.
Employee Expectations: The University expects all employees to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian institution and to be worthy examples in moral conduct and behavior for the students of the University and fellow employees.