Reporting to the Associate Dean for Alumni Engagement and Development, the Director of Development will manage their own portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, and devise-- in close collaboration with the Associate Dean, 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 fundraising initiatives. The Director will build a reputation as a reliable internal and ex... more details
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Alumni Engagement and Development, the Director of Development will manage their own portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, and devise-- in close collaboration with the Associate Dean, 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 fundraising initiatives.
The Director will build a reputation as a reliable internal and external partner and ambassador for Yale Law School 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 and excellence.
The Director of Development will:
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more to Yale Law School philanthropic priorities, at times in partnership with the Dean of Faculty, Associate Dean, or Yale Law School faculty members.
Assist AED 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 YLS initiatives and special projects.
Utilize the University’s Blackbaud CRM, Hopper, to document all planned and completed prospect interactions and strategies.
Utilize metrics, reporting, and analytics to regularly communicate to the Associate Dean effectiveness and progress of fundraising efforts, adjusting plans in real time to maximize results and return on investment.
Actively manage a YLS prospect pool of approximately 150 major/principal gift prospects, as well as prospects in their reunion cycle, and key volunteers.
Complete 15 or more major/principal gift solicitations each year.
Participate in the development and execution of plans for strategic prospect engagement for the Dean.
Support open communications among team members, engage in team-building efforts and participate in meetings and retreats that embrace and support AED’s Purpose, Values, and Culture.
In partnership with the Prospect Management and Research team, Identify, assess, and engage new prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more for YLS initiatives.
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 Yale Law School and the University develop stronger relationships with other prominent alumni, parents, and friends.
Provide support for reunion giving and related activities as needed.
Other duties as assigned. Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. 1. Directs the efforts of the Development office and its staff to create and promote opportunities for communicating the needs and priorities of assigned departments, schools, and divisions to potential donors; formulates and develops programs to identify and cultivate prospective donors. 2. Directs development activities including: cultivation and solicitation events; proposal preparation; donor visits with staff and faculty; stewardship events; special exhibits and events, etc. that promotes and recognizes donors. 3. Directs and monitors development of prospect donor lists in collaboration with the research department; develops policies and procedures related to identification of needs and priorities of specific schools or department; creates opportunities for donors to support the needs of the various schools and departments. 4. Oversees and ensures schools are well-served in one or more of the following: prospect research, donor stewardship, development for major gifts, annual fund programs, and alumni relations function. 5. Directs, leads, coaches, and motivates development officers throughout the University to educate fundraisers and ensure that potential donors understand the opportunities provided in special events, stewardship programs, alumni programs, fellows programs, parent giving and student fundraising programs; works with student volunteers, administrators, faculty, and staff to build awareness of these programs. 6. Directs development office staff in planning special events working with student volunteers in planning type of event, timing, venue, invitation and/or promotion, activities or purpose, and anticipated results in order to maximize staff, faculty, administrator and donor experience. 7. Supervises a staff of non-exempt and exempt employees. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s Degree in related field and six years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
