Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation prospects for national, regional, and local funders and conduct written and face-to-face solicitations with prospective donors

• Actively identify and research new and existing corporate and foundation prospects for priority projects and programs and determine the best cultivation and solicitation strategies

• Communicate effectively and develop collaborative relationships with the academic community around funding prospects and opportunities

• Work with members of the leadership team, faculty, and administrators to develop and submit institutional proposals

• Manage proposal initiatives, develop solicitation strategies and compelling proposals that align with the funding organization’s mission and purpose

• Ensure stewardship of donor and funder expectations regarding programmatic and fund reporting

• Ensure compliance with the institution’s fundraising policies, procedures and donor management

• Establish strong working relationships across the SCI-Arc community, including with the Director/CEO, Vice Director/ Chief Academic Officer, Academic Programs Chairs, Coordinator of Sponsored Research, and senior leadership

• Stay informed of trends in philanthropy, particularly corporate and foundation funding

• Work as a key member of the development team in the planning and implementation of short- and long-term goals.

• Broker meetings and discussions between SCI-Arc faculty and external constituents to produce innovative partnerships and bold agendas at the forefront of architecture, design and urban planning

• Work collaboratively with faculty, academic leadership, and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion office, and the board of trustees to create and implement strategies to build corporate relationships to further the mission

• Be an integral member of the SCI-Arc community, staying abreast of general trends in the fields of study offered at the Institute and in the major areas of industry where alumni are employed

• Oversee Development staff engaged in alumni services, grant writing, event planning, database management, and other activities related to the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred

• Minimum 5 years of progressive, successful experience in corporate and foundation fundraising and closing major gifts for a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and cutting-edge institution—education, arts, architecture, and other relevant fields

• Experience managing an engaged portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation prospects, preferably within a higher education setting

• Experience identifying and researching corporate and foundation prospects and designing effective cultivation and solicitation strategies to secure resources

• Familiar with fundraising software and Microsoft Office Suite conversant with the digital marketing and social media of a tech-oriented, highly international educational institution, and willing to become familiar with the areas of software and technology integral to curriculum and research at the Institute

• Collaborative team player; a mentor and motivator of staff

• Sound financial acumen and knowledge of budget preparation, monitoring, and administration

• Proven experience in the full spectrum of development including gift policies, solicitations, stewardship, donor recognition and administration

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships across the institution, including board members, and donors, with an emphasis on tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism and discretion

• Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• Effective written and oral communication skills with emphasis on public speaking and presenting information about programs to potential donors and audiences in a relatable and compelling fashion

• Knowledge of trends, legislation, and key issues impacting higher education advancement

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

• Strong organizational and time management skills, strong customer service, interpersonal, and team building skills

• Willingness to work occasional evening, weekend hours, and travel as needed

• Knowledge and experience using research resources to identify individual prospects and institutional funders