Regional Development Director, Athletics

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) seeks a dynamic Regional Development Director, Athletics to join a team of experienced fundraisers in a collaborative environment. As Point Loma Nazarene University prepares for its first comprehensive campaign, the University seeks a skilled fundraiser to help cultivate support from donors, alumni, and parents in support of the University’s priorities, with a high emphasis on Athletics.
The Regional Development Director, Athletics reports to the Associate Vice President of Development. The Director is a highly motivated and experienced fundraising professional responsible for soliciting financial support from alumni and friends in support of PLNU with an emphasis on Athletics. The incumbent will work independently, as part of the Advancement team, and in close partnership with the Athletic Director, to identify prospects, develop cultivation and solicitation strategies, solicit and close current, major, and planned gifts, and ensure the appropriate and timely cultivation of relationships and stewardship of donors for PLNU. The position requires regular regional, national, and local travel as well as evening and weekend attendance at University and athletic events.
Salary:
Pay range $91,028 - $113,785
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following functions, which are not listed in any particular order of significance:

• In consultation with the Associate Vice President of Development and working closely with the Athletic Director, the Director will create an annual personalized work plan for accomplishing specific goals and objectives in coordination with overall Advancement priorities with an emphasis in Athletics.
• Provide strategic direction and execute cultivation/solicitation/stewardship strategies for assigned donors and prospects, using a Moves Management approach.
• Conduct a predetermined minimum number of strategically planned face-to-face visits with major gift donors, prospective major gift donors, and/or their advisors to solicit major and planned gifts.
• Prepare written and verbal proposals, concept/informational materials, endowment agreements, gift illustrations and other materials needed to secure major gifts in collaboration with colleagues, as appropriate.
• Solicit a predetermined minimum number of major gifts annually while growing a pipeline to support additional major gift solicitations in subsequent years.
• Participate cooperatively and collaboratively in regular prospect management meetings and will promptly record all visit and contact information in Raiser’s Edge (donor management system).
• Provide collaborative support for Advancement programs and initiatives as assigned.
• Attend all Advancement staff meetings as well as select PLNU programs and events, as appropriate.
• Build new skills via: internal training resources; approved external training resources; and new on-the-job experiences, as defined by the Associate Vice President of Development.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of and commitment to the spiritual mission of the University.
• Understanding of Christian higher education combined with the ability to articulate the mission and vision of PLNU and the value of its education within the broader higher education context.
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of successful fundraising experience, with a strong preference for intercollegiate athletics development.
• Experience with planned giving is strongly preferred.
• Self-starter with a proven track record of achieving quantitative and qualitative philanthropic goals and initiatives, with or without capital projects or campaigns.
• Ability to actively listen to donors to identify areas of common interest with University and/or departmental priorities and to develop a compelling case for the University.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with upgrading donors to major and planned gifts. 
• Proven ability to work collegially, collaboratively, and effectively with Advancement colleagues, including campus leadership, external constituencies, and athletics partners, including the Athletics Director, coaches, and staff.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Exercise independent judgment consistent with department and university guidelines.
• Must be flexible and adaptable.
• Excellent organization, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar, etc.; modern office methods and procedures; equipment and filing systems; proofreading; business letter and report writing techniques.
• Comfortable working in Microsoft Google Workspace environments.
• Experience and proficiency with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising software.
• Demonstrated commitment to: integrity, patience, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• At all times, adhere to the principles of ethics and standard practices as articulated in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and Donor Bill of Rights and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Principles and Standards.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• An incumbent who is results-oriented and demonstrates the ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization, warmly develops relationships with diverse constituencies, and simultaneously employs keen judgment has the best opportunity for success.

• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant. 
• ​The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting for extended periods of time. Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Vision to read documents, e-mail and other correspondence, and reports on paper and computer monitor. Hearing and speaking to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone. Will also stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 lbs throughout the day.

National, regional, and local travel required for meeting with donors and prospects (i.e. approximately 40% - 60% of time).

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.