Job Description

Why Join Us?

The University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association is committed to supporting the mission of the University of South Dakota by engaging alumni, building community relationships, and promoting a culture of philanthropy.

We exist to support the University of South Dakota through donor-centric and mission-driven efforts. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an organization dedicated to advancing education and fostering connections.

Position Overview

The Director of Development for the College of Fine Arts is a dynamic and results-driven fundraising professional responsible for securing major philanthropic gifts of $50,000+ and leading an integrated approach to engaging alumni and friends to advance the mission and support of the University of South Dakota (USD). This individual will focus on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-potential donors to provide philanthropic support for the College of Fine Arts.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this position is not just an individual contributor but is a key member of the Development team that collaborates on strategic goals, objectives, and deliverables of the organization. Additionally – this position will require a person with an understanding our purpose, the work we do, and embody our core values.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Major Gifts Fundraising (80%)

• Manage a portfolio of 80-120 major gift prospects ($50,000+) and actively engage in all aspects of donor relationship management. This will require local, regional, and national travel with overnight and occasional weekend obligations.
• Develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for major donors, aligning their philanthropic interests with USD’s fundraising priorities.
• Conduct at least 12-15 significant donor interactions per month, including face-to-face meetings, phone/video calls, and strategic engagement events.
• Partner with university leadership, faculty, and athletic staff to identify and develop compelling major gift opportunities.
• Work closely with the Donor Relations team to ensure all major gift donors receive thoughtful and timely recognition, reporting, and stewardship.
• Track all donor interactions, proposals, and solicitations in the CRM database (Raiser’s Edge or similar system) in compliance with the Foundation’s prospect management policies.
• Collaborate with development colleagues to support comprehensive fundraising campaigns and annual giving initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Alumni & Donor Engagement (20%)

• Develop strategies to increase alumni engagement, identify new major gift prospects, and strengthen relationships with high-capacity alumni and friends of USD.
• Attend and participate in key university events, donor gatherings, and alumni activities to foster deeper connections and expand the donor pipeline.
• Work in collaboration with the Alumni Engagement & Communications team to enhance engagement strategies that lead to philanthropic investment.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts ($50,000+).
• Strong relationship-building skills with high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet fundraising goals, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising, gift acceptance policies, and general information affecting the Foundation’s operation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Donor database experience preferred (Raiser’s Edge).

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, business, marketing, communications, or related fields.
• One to three years of combined fundraising, business development, sales, marketing, or communications experience. Experience in fundraising for a higher education institution is strongly preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

The University of South Dakota Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. This position includes an excellent benefits package and a generous PTO policy. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Joe Hoose, Vice President of Talent Management, at [email protected].

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