Director of Development

The Director of Development leads the Office of Development and is responsible for managing major gifts and annual giving programs to support Bethel University. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement in partnership with the University President, this position is a member of the Division of Enrollment & Advancement Senior Staff team. The Director oversees donor engagement, parent involvement, and philanthropic initiatives while collaborating with faculty, staff, and campus leadership to align giving strategies with University goals. The position will help plan and execute the solicitation of such funds through grants, in-kind donations, corporations, foundations, and individual solicitations. This role involves significant travel and requires flexibility for evening and weekend commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gifts Strategy and Donor Engagement

• Lead the Office of Development, managing a portfolio of alumni, donors, and parents.
• Create and execute individualized donor strategies focused on personal engagement and customized solicitations.
• Identify new major gift prospects and implement cultivation plans that align with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with academic and program leadership to align donor interests with University needs.
• Lead engagement with current and prospective parents, including the development and execution of initiatives to enhance parent involvement and philanthropy.

Solicitation and Stewardship

• Plan and implement strategic solicitations to secure major gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Lead the University’s annual giving efforts, including developing targeted campaigns and appeals to increase donor participation and unrestricted giving, and collaborate with the Office of Marketing to develop and execute annual giving strategies that strengthen community engagement and broaden donor support.
• Develop and execute stewardship plans that recognize and retain major and annual donors.
• Coordinate with the Office of Marketing and Office of University Relations teams to publicize impactful gifts and ensure timely follow-up with donors.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all donor interactions in University systems.

Travel and Outreach

• Plan and execute donor visits and outreach efforts with a focus on cost-efficiency and maximum impact.
• Represent the University at donor events, parent & family events, alumni gatherings, and special events such as Homecoming.

Collaboration and Institutional Engagement

• Work collaboratively with development colleagues and University leadership on strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Participate in and support key campus events that advance donor and alumni engagement.
• Provide input on development-related admissions, marketing and communications efforts.

Other Duties

• Stay abreast of fundraising best practices, tools, and trends.
• Seek continuous improvement in skills and strategies to drive donor engagement and fundraising success.
• Support other initiatives and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Proven record of securing gifts in the $10,000 to $25,000 range or higher.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to craft compelling appeals and deliver persuasive presentations.
• Strategic thinking and attention to detail in managing donor pipelines and meeting fundraising goals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with donor databases and reporting systems.

Work Environment

This position requires frequent travel and occasional evening and weekend commitments. Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with some physical effort, including lifting up to 30 pounds occasionally.