Development Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Development Coordinator - is responsible for managing and implementing fundraising efforts to secure philanthropic support from alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and friends of Drury University. Using best practices and supported by a strong research, analytics, and Advancement Services team, this position helps expand the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors supporting university-wide priorities and designated projects. The position serves as the primary liaison between University Advancement and the Department of Athletics or another unit, coordinating fundraising initiatives, gift development, sport-specific fundraising strategies, and donor stewardship in partnership with the Executive Vice President for University Advancement and the Director of Athletics. This position also provides centralized coordination for corporate and foundation grant proposal development, grant application tracking, reporting requirements, corporate partnerships, and strategic fundraising initiatives supporting academic and institutional priorities. Regional travel is expected.

Duties/Responsibilities:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties or responsibility requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

• Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward annual, major, endowment, and planned gifts.
• Prepare an annual portfolio plan in consultation with the Executive Vice President for University Advancement.
• Meet established performance metrics including donor visits, proposals, solicitations, stewardship contacts, and gift commitments.
• Prepare donor correspondence, proposals, contact reports, briefing materials, and stewardship communications.
• Maintain accurate records and activity reports within the University's constituent relationship management system.
• Participate in regular prospect review meetings and collaborate with colleagues on donor strategies.
• Serve as the primary liaison between University Advancement and the Department of Athletics or other unit as assigned regarding all philanthropic activities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics, coaches, and Advancement leadership to develop comprehensive fundraising strategies for Athletics.
• Coordinate sport-specific fundraising efforts in collaboration with coaches while ensuring consistency with University Advancement policies and institutional fundraising priorities.
• Develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for former student-athletes, athletic alumni, and athletic supporters.
• Coordinate donor stewardship activities, recognition programs, and communications supporting Athletics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Engagement & Annual Giving on athletics annual giving campaigns while providing leadership annual gift strategy and cultivation for athletic donors.
• Participate in strategic planning related to Athletics fundraising and philanthropic engagement.
• Maintain the Advancement’s centralized grant calendar, including proposal deadlines, reporting deadlines, renewal opportunities, and stewardship requirements.
• Coordinate grant proposal development timelines among faculty, administrators, Advancement, Finance, consultants, and funding agencies.
• Maintain records of submitted proposals, awards, pending applications, reporting schedules, and grant outcomes.
• Assist with identifying foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
• Assist with development and implementation of the University's Corporate Partnership Program.
• Coordinate sponsorship agreements and corporate engagement activities.
• Maintain corporate partner records, benefit fulfillment, and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to identify partnership opportunities supporting University priorities.

Required Skills/Abilities:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated success in annual, major, or leadership gift fundraising.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse campus constituencies.
• Ability to analyze fundraising activity and maintain accurate records.
• Experience preparing proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Strong proficiency with donor databases (Blackbaud preferred), Microsoft Office, and CRM systems.
• Knowledge of grant development, grant administration, or grant reporting is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and represent the University professionally.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to travel throughout the region and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, grant administration, nonprofit management, higher education, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with athletics fundraising, corporate partnerships, or grant coordination is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May supervise student employees, interns, or temporary staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the university’s policies and applicable law.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to travel off campus when required. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

WORKING AT DU HAS ITS BENEFITS:

• Generous time off including 4+ weeks of paid time off starting your first year
• Free tuition for your whole family
• Free tickets to Drury home sporting events
• Health and wellness benefits at extremely competitive rates
• Free use of onsite fitness center on Springfield campus
• Discounted meals and Drury merchandise on campus