Reporting to the Director of Development for Alumni Affairs and Giving, the Director of Development will manage their own portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, and devise-- in close collaboration with the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) leadership, Clinical Department leadership, other Directors of Development, the Prospect Management and Research Team, and other School and University colleagues--strategic fundraising plans to secure gifts for high priority YSM fundraising initiatives. The... more details
Reporting to the Director of Development for Alumni Affairs and Giving, the Director of Development will manage their own portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, and devise-- in close collaboration with the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) leadership, Clinical Department leadership, other Directors of Development, the Prospect Management and Research Team, and other School and University colleagues--strategic fundraising plans to secure gifts for high priority YSM fundraising initiatives.
The Director will build a reputation as a reliable internal and external partner and ambassador for YSM by demonstrating a deep understanding of the School and its priorities; possessing an exceptional understanding of fundraising best practices; and achieving and exceeding assigned performance metrics.
The successful candidate will possess a growth mindset, be resilient and adaptable, and support the office’s culture of collaboration, excellence while bringing joy and humor to the work place.
The Director of Development will: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more to YSM philanthropic priorities, at times in partnership with various Deputy Deans across the school. Assist in securing alumni contributions at all levels when traveling to select geographic regions. Develop, deliver, and execute actionable plans (to include objectives, strategies, tactics, timelines, and measurable metrics) for securing private philanthropic support that advances YSM initiatives and special projects. Utilize the University’s Blackbaud CRM, Hopper, to document all planned and completed prospect interactions and strategies. Actively manage a YSM prospect pool of approximately 150 major gift prospects, as well as prospects in their reunion cycle, and key volunteers. Complete 15 or more major gift solicitations each year. Support open communications among team members, engage in team-building efforts and participate in meetings and retreats that embrace and support YSM Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. In partnership with the Prospect Management and Research team, Identify, assess, and engage new prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000. Participate in the development of gift proposals, gift agreements, and other donor materials as needed. Represent the School at regional and on-campus events. Encourage volunteers to build bridges and utilize their networks to help YSM and the University develop stronger relationships with other prominent alumni, parents, and friends. Provide support for reunion giving and related activities as needed. Value teamwork and collaboration while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. 1. Develops cultivation and solicitation strategies for a portfolio of prospects and donors. Builds and manages network of relationships with prospective donors involving University administrators and faculty. Facilitates and coordinates all communication with these prospects and among the prospect’s campus relationships. Promotes positive relations with these prospects and donors. 2. Evaluates various gift opportunities and giving vehicles and recommends the most suitable for a particular donor. 3. Interacts with internal contacts such as Deans, Directors, Faculty, Officers, and other Development staff to consult on University needs, to formulate strategies to promote prospect engagement with the University and to identify potential donors. 4. Assist with the strategy for and creation of written communications from various University administrators appropriate to a donor’s interests. 5. Typically participates (often in concert with others) in gift solicitations to fund University programs and to enhance the development efforts of the Schools and departments. 6. May travel (possibly extensively) commensurate with Yale’s standard expectations for fundraising activity, contact and travel. May involve international travel depending upon prospect assignments. 7. Performs additional development-related activities/efforts at the request of manager. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field and a minimum of four years of experience in fundraising or a related field, preferably in higher education or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with sensitive information and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.