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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.

Our mission as Christian educators is to help our students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders. 

Job Title:      Director of Development    

Department:   Advancement        

Reports To:  Associate Vice President for Advancement

Location:   On-site

FLSA Status: Exempt

Annual duration: 12-month

Expected hours per week: Full-time, including some nights and weekend work.

Part-time hours, if applicable:  N/A 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None 

Summary Description:  The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances the priorities of the University. This role oversees all aspects of prospect identification, donor cultivation, and stewardship strategies including major gifts, annual fund, and donor relations. The gift officer reports progress weekly. Some nights, weekends, and travel required. 

Essential Functions:

  • As an intentionally Christian academic community hiring Christian educators, all employees will be expected to advance the mission, vision, and identity of Carson-Newman University as defined in university policy and expressed in our strategic plan and are expected to work as cooperative and collegial members of the University.
  • 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 both on and off campus.
  • Regular attendance during scheduled work hours reflects a commitment to our shared mission and the campus community.
  • If applicable, all work must be performed in alignment with the terms of the signed contract.
  • As Christian educators, all employees of the University should regularly attend and actively participate in a local church.
  • 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 building relationships with the University’s stakeholders.
  • Keeps excellent notes/records in writing as well as in Slate, the University’s CRM program.
  • Working with the supervisor, develops and manages gift proposals/agreements ranging in size from $5,000 to $50,000.
  • Experienced and comfortable making 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 $500,000 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

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. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned and included in assessments and reviews.

Education:  bachelor’s degree required

Experience:   A minimum of two years’ proven fundraising experience

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: 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time. Must be able to access and navigate campus facilities.