Director of Development

Lake Erie College, a small, co-educational, four-year, independent liberal arts college located in Painesville, OH, 30 miles east of Cleveland, invites applications for the full-time position Director of Development.
This position will join The Advancement team in achieving our annual, major, and planned giving program objectives.
Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Development is an integral member of the team in our effort to secure philanthropic support in support of the College’s mission to provide an excellent, inclusive, and highly personalized education grounded in the liberal arts tradition.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in consultation with the Vice President of Advancement.
Manage the mid-level donor pipeline.
Create a development plan to research and identify new prospects, make discovery calls, and build a prospect pool based on new prospects and past donors.
Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to annual and major gifts.
Travel, as needed, to assigned territories to build enduring relationships.
Prepare proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements, and other development materials for prospects and donors that articulate Lake Erie College’s needs, values, and ambitions.
Build a strong network of collegial partnerships with development and departmental representatives in areas across the institution.
Serve as the primary development liaison to the Athletics Department and work with coaches and staff to determine fundraising opportunities and opportunities for collaboration.
Secure corporate sponsorships for College events.
Develop and executive a comprehensive stewardship plan for mid-level and major donors.
Assist with the planning and execution of alumni, donor, and campus events as needed to support the Advancement team’s goals.
Other duties will be assigned by the Vice President of Advancement PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 3+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree a plus.
Experience with nonprofit databases; Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
Ability to work independently; ability to work as part of a team; manage projects; determine priorities; and maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
Excellent strategic sense and an ability to set goals and priorities, managing limited resources for maximum impact.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated experience in public speaking.
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as part of a team, manage vendors, and coordinate projects with internal and external partners.
Outstanding organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate a variety of detailed projects, sometimes under a very tight deadline.
Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a willingness to travel locally and nationally, as needed.
Growth and “doer” mindset and institutional teamwork ethic.
Creative, strategic, thoughtful, and has a sense of humor.