Director of Advancement - Regional Advancement

Advancement

The University of Missouri's Office of Advancement is seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to join its Regional Advancement team as Director of Advancement. This position will play a key role in major and planned gift fundraising across the West Coast, with a particular focus on Southern California and the Bay Area. The Director will be responsible for building strong donor relationships, generating a high level of activity in contacts, visits, proposals, and dollars raised, and collaborating closely with Advancement colleagues across MU's schools, colleges, and programs. This remote, non-supervisory role requires extensive travel (up to 50% of the time) and reports directly to the Senior Director for Regional Programs - West Coast.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full donor lifecycle-including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship-through personal visits and strategic direct outreach.
• Responsible for fostering meaningful relationships and securing major gifts of $50,000 and above through effective cultivation and solicitation strategies. Approximate annual metrics for a Director level position are as follows:
  • Minimum $1M raised
  • 12-18 proposals presented
  • 7-15 Major Gifts Closed ($50k and above)
  • 125-200 Substantive Written Communications (Email, Letter, or Text)
  • 100-150 Substantive Visits (Phone, Virtual, or In-Person)
  • 20-50 Evaluation Visits
• Craft tailored solicitation proposals and donor correspondence to support strategic fundraising efforts.
• Successfully manage a portfolio of 60-100 individual donors, strategically moving them through the donor continuum.
• Responsible for initiating contact with donors to request meetings and coordinating all related logistics.
• Coordinate individual travel arrangements and manage travel budget and expenses.
• Effectively utilize the ADVANCE database for research, contact reports, and promptly recording all activity and relevant donor activity. Assist with and participate in donor activities and events both on campus and in respective region.
• Work collaboratively across campus with unit Advancement colleagues, deans, faculty and staff, as well as central Advancement colleagues in Planned Giving, Donor Relations, Mizzou Alumni Association, Mizzou Annual Fund, and Corporate and Foundation Relations.
• Provide input and leadership in the development and implementation of advancement goals and objectives, and assure alignment with university priorities, mission, vision and values.
• Seek out and engage in professional development opportunities to increase skills and knowledge of fundraising.
• Participate in approximately three annual on-campus Advancement all-staff meetings, as well as virtual prospect strategy sessions, case management discussions, annual planning, and regular progress check-ins with direct manager and/or leadership.

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00pm with extensive travel (up to 50% of the time)

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully soliciting and closing major, planned and blended gifts of $50,000 or more, and possess the ability to engage effectively with high-capacity donors.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while being self-motivated, disciplined and results oriented.
• Exceptional collaborator who works effectively as part of a team while demonstrating the ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills are required, along with exemplary interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Additional important characteristics include a strong work ethic, personal integrity, emotional intelligence, professionalism, sound judgement, strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a commitment to the mission and values of the University of Missouri.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and wireless service to fulfill the responsibilities associated with the position.
  

Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000 Annually

Grade: GGS 012

University Title: Advancement Director II

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume and Cover Letter

Our benefits:

As one of Missouri's largest employers, MU staff members enjoy exceptionally competitive health, PTO and retirement plans. A few highlights:

• Health Insurance -Three plans to choose from, including our Custom Network Plan; a cost-effective insurance option that utilizes our extensive network of MU-affiliated hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
• HSA - UM provides between $400 - $1200 in contributions to health savings accounts, depending on plans and dependents
• Dental - 100% coverage for preventative care, with no restrictions on network or non-network providers
• Vision - $0 copays on frames and contact lenses along with a $140 allowance, and a $10 copay on yearly eye exams.
• Retirement - UM will match 100% of up to 8% of eligible pay contributed to a 457(b), with a three-year vesting period on University contributions.
• Tuition Assistance - Up to 75% of tuition and supplemental fees waived for employees, and 50% waived for spouses and dependents
• Time Off - Personal time off (PTO) as well as 10 paid holidays.
• Winter Break - The university observes a paid holiday for the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

We recognize the importance of individual contributions and are committed to supporting each employee's success. A wide range of experiences and perspectives helps drive innovation and excellence in our core missions of teaching, research, and engagement. This dedication strengthens the university as a place to work, learn, and grow.

In your application materials, please describe your relevant experience and qualifications that support the university's missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests.

Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living.

Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.

If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.