Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Identifies, cultivates and solicits major gift prospects for the University. Consults with senior University administrators, deans, division directors and area development officers on major gift programs and comprehensive campaign issues.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, or a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience), plus four years of experience in high-end repeat sales, or direct fund-raising required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills also required.

Fund-raising or repeat sales experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully establish long term relationships with high-end customers is preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Identifies major gift prospects and travels extensively to visit key alumni and friends of the university to solicit gifts.
2. Prepares major gift prospect strategies for comprehensive fund-raising campaigns for the university by developing specific plans for individual donors.
3. Functions as a liaison and consultant to selected colleges and departments on campus. Advises and assists the deans and development directors of these areas in campaign planning and implementation.
4. Directs activities to identify, cultivate and solicit significant donations from the university’s highest level donors.
5. Prepares and writes individual proposals to solicit contributions.
6. Assists in the identification, screening and hiring of college-based development officers and their training.

Problem Solving

The incumbent has the authority to advise and give direction to deans and division directors in developing and implementing their campaign and major gift programs. He/she determines when and where to travel and whom to visit in cultivating donor prospects.

Challenges regularly faced are communication across campus, including information sharing and managing prospects, and ensuring information regarding departments, potential donors and development issues are properly communicated. The incumbent must also coordinate the myriad of details involved in the research that goes into developing and implementing, cultivation and solicitation strategies for each potential donor.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.