Regional Director of Development, North Central Valley (Contract) - 8617

Company: University of California - Merced
Location: Merced
Posted on: October 17, 2020

Job Description:

Hiring Range

Salary Commensurate with Education & Experience

This position is based on a three (3) year renewable contract with benefits.

Job Closing Date

Applications will be reviewed beginning 7/10/2020 and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With nearly 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. In 2018, UC Merced opened the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

About the Department

The Office of External Relations serves as the university s lead advocate with elected officials, governmental staff, key community and business stakeholders to advance strategic university goals. External Relations also raises funds to advance the university's mission, creating relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to generate support for UC Merced students, faculty and programs. A major focus of the Office of External Relations is the formulation and implementation of strategic communications initiatives, fundraising programs, and signature events that showcase the newest and most innovative campus in the University of California System.

External Relations is comprised of several units, including: Alumni Relations, Communications and Public Information, Government and Community Relations, Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships, and Special Events.

About the Job

The Director of Development will be a vital member of a young and fast growing institutional advancement program and will be responsible for contributing to the success of the department s annual fundraising goals, with a focus on expanding UC Merced s presence in a specific geographic region: Northern Central Valley region (Merced to Modesto).

The Director of Development will play an important role in leading and growing the overall development strategy within their designated region, including: the donor base, long-term strategic partnerships, and revenue capacity for UC Merced s fundraising efforts. including: identifying and qualifying new prospects; cultivating and stewarding current and previous donors; accomplishing meaningful touchpoints for UC Merced philanthropic engagement; and closing five-, six- and seven- figure gifts.

The Director of Development will develop strategy for appropriate regional events and work with External Relations colleagues on development and execution of regional events. Position available in the region: Northern Central Valley (Merced to Modesto).

The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and must be strategic, well organized, flexible, dependable and goal-oriented, with an enthusiastic and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage complex projects and maintain a collaborative work-style. May coordinate and oversee the work of support staff and/or other professionals.

This position will report to the Executive Director of Major and Institutional Giving within the Department of Philanthropy and Strategic Relationships, housed in the Office of External Relations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Develops and manages a dynamic portfolio to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects for major and principal gifts. May include some corporate and foundation prospects.

* Position includes travel within the assigned region to meet with donors and prospects, as well as some travel to Merced for important occasions and select meetings.

* Plans, schedules and implements fundraising activities to advance the major gift pipeline and maximize private fundraising support to the university. Develops detailed major gift and principal gift opportunities tailored to the interest of potential donors in the areas consistent with UC Merced fundraising priorities.

* Manages and builds a portfolio of 80-100 prospects in the designated region who have the capacity to give $25,000+ over a 5-year pledge period. Build a solid pipeline of donors in the region; regularly qualify new prospects to determine affinity to UC Merced. Partner with Board of Trustee members to identify new prospects and donors, implement fundraising strategies and constituency-building programs. Develops strategies with team executives to ensure team goals, annual fundraising targets and monthly activity benchmarks are met. Monthly and annual benchmarks will vary and will be determined according to the department s annual fundraising goal and size of development team.

* Metrics and benchmarks will track new contacts made, visits completed, solicitations completed, major gifts received, and amount raised. Generates proposals and customized request materials. Prepares drafts of donor correspondence for campus leaders and assist with development of ancillary materials, including but not limited to: briefings, status reports, talking points, program descriptions, thank you letters, and strategic communication memoranda.

* Maintains appropriate records, including timely entry of required items in the donor database. Track all prospect and donor interactions. Monitors personal progress through database dashboard and tracking of personal metrics. Prepares annual and multi-year business plans and submits budget for regional major gift fundraising program.

* Lead effort to develop and grow the UC Merced presence in the assigned region; advise senior leadership on engagement promotional and sponsorship opportunities for participation and visibility; utilize current affiliations and contacts to expand reach; attend community events and networking opportunities on behalf of the university to identify, cultivate and steward donors thereby increasing the reach of UC Merced in the assigned region.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.
As of January 1, 2014 the University of California, Merced will be a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at
http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu

Keywords: University of California - Merced, Merced , Regional Director of Development, North Central Valley (Contract) - 8617, Executive , Merced, California