The University of Vermont Foundation

The Director of Major Gifts for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is responsible for mid-level and major gifts fundraising to benefit the College.. The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development of the UVM Foundation, with dotted-line reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.. This position provides an essential link between the academic leadership of the college and colleagues within the UVM Foundation to advance donor-centric gift conversations.. Work with the prospect management team to identify and qualify new prospects, the donor relations team to implement best stewardship and donor recognition practices, and the communications team to craft effective case statements, campaigns, and other marketing materials.. Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of successful mid-level and/or major gifts fundraising-related experience, preferably in higher education; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill, and abilities can be demonstrated.

director of major gifts

DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS
College of ARTS and Sciences
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Director of Major Gifts, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President for Development, UVM Foundation
EXPECTED SALARY RANGE: $120-130,000; plus, the UVM Foundation’s progressive benefits package, which includes: a comprehensive health plan; dental, vision, and life insurance; a robust paid time off package; a 403(b) plan with immediate vesting and contributions; and tuition remission.
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 3, 2024, or a negotiated date agreed upon by both parties
FTE: Full-Time
LOCATION: Burlington, Vermont
JOB-TYPE/HOURS: On-site. A limited hybrid arrangement may be possible, but frequent in-person presence will be required. This position will require occasional work outside of standard business days and hours and requires frequent travel.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Major Gifts for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is responsible for mid-level and major gifts fundraising to benefit the College. The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development of the UVM Foundation, with dotted-line reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This position provides an essential link between the academic leadership of the college and colleagues within the UVM Foundation to advance donor-centric gift conversations. Effectively communicating unit-based philanthropic priorities will strengthen relationships with parents and alumni of the college.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
75% Proactively manage a portfolio of individual prospects. Develop and execute cultivation and solicitation strategies that lead to private investment in academic, research, and programmatic priorities for CAS and the University. Build and foster an environment for successful fundraising within the College by preparing the Dean, Associate Deans, Chairs, and key faculty to participate effectively in fundraising appointments and other development activities. Work with University and Foundation leadership to develop a compelling case for engagement and support to attract mid-level and major gift donors in a highly competitive philanthropic environment. Collaborate with the Foundation’s annual fund program to ensure that annual appeals generate new and increased giving and are coordinated with institutional schedules.
15% Collaborate with Foundation leadership and central support units of the Foundation to support fundraising for CAS at the University of Vermont. Work with the prospect management team to identify and qualify new prospects, the donor relations team to implement best stewardship and donor recognition practices, and the communications team to craft effective case statements, campaigns, and other marketing materials.
5% Ensure effective collaboration between school/college leadership and the UVM Foundation fundraising team. Provide current program information and the appropriate academic contacts essential for strong development outcomes.
5% Other duties as assigned.


Specific performance standards will be captured as metrics in an annual business plan.
MINIMUM SKILLS & ABILITIES
Effective and influential communicator in person, in writing, and by phone, with the ability to craft donor correspondence and follow-up, content for presentations, briefings, program overviews, talking points, etc.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of development, fundraising, sales, or similar high-end financial management.
Self-starter with the ability and desire to achieve a high level of productivity and success and to consistently seek new opportunities to learn and grow.
Effective problem-solver, able to flexibly adapt in a complex environment.
Collaborator and team player, with a track record of working effectively with others toward common goals.
Connector with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Champion for the mission and purpose of higher education, and the ability to talk with others about your passion.
Strong interpersonal skills and experience in exercising discretion in a complex, evolving environment.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with the ability to meaningfully apply those principles to strategy development and implementation.
Must be willing and able to travel frequently outside of Vermont, via air, train, and automobile. A valid driver's license is required.
PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic investments in the five to seven-figure ranges.
Proven ability to develop stewardship strategies that lead to further philanthropic investment.
Skillful strategist who can negotiate challenging situations and maximize donor impact while managing multiple projects.
Adept at balancing the need for travel and in-office relationships and follow-up.
Experience in higher education or the non-profit sector.
Experience and skill in communicating about and dealing broadly with issues surrounding the liberal arts and sciences.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of successful mid-level and/or major gifts fundraising-related experience, preferably in higher education; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill, and abilities can be demonstrated.

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