Senior Director of Philanthropy Position Available In Shelby, Tennessee

Posting Details
Posting Information Posting Number

SAECC4193

Advertised Title Senior Director of Philanthropy
Campus Location Main Campus (Memphis, TN)
Position Number 024254
Category Staff (Hourly/Monthly)
Department Office of University Development
Minimum Position Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and seven (7) years of experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education or a complex nonprofit setting. Relevant experience may substitute for required education. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Special Conditions This posting is recruiting for multiple positions. Work Schedule Monday

• Friday
  8:00 a.m.
• 4:30 p.m. Ability to travel 40% per week, including overnight, and attend some evening/weekend events. Posting Date 05/02/2025
  Closing Date 05/12/2025
  Open Until Screening Begins No
  Hiring Range $100,000
• $110,000 per year
  Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time:

Benefits Eligible
Working Conditions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Additional Working Conditions Special Instructions to Applicants All applications must be submitted online at workforum.memphis.edu. Applicants must complete all applicable sections of the online application to be considered for a position. Please upload a cover letter, resume, and reference list after completing your application, if required by the system. Required work experience is based on full-time hours. Part-time work experience will be prorated as listed. Candidates who are called for an interview must notify the Department of Human Resources in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview. Is this posting for UofM employees only? No
Positions Supervised Directors of Philanthropy Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proven track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $50,000 and above.
Experience in managing a team. Preference for leading advancement and fundraising professionals.
Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities with a demonstrated capacity for independent judgment.
Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage and inspire donors.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficient in using CRM/database systems to track donor activity and performance metrics. Additional Position Information The Senior Director of Philanthropy is a critical leadership role that combines strategic vision with hands-on management of a high-performing team of major gift fundraisers. The Senior Director will drive the success in one of two pivotal initiative areas: the STEAM Team or the Business and Law Team. This position demands an individual who excels in mentoring, coaching, and empowering a team to deliver exceptional donor engagement and ensure alignment with the university’s ambitious fundraising objectives. Collaboration with academic leaders and cross-functional partners will be essential to ensure a unified, impactful approach to philanthropy.
In addition to leading the team, the Senior Director will personally manage a portfolio of high-potential donors and prospects. They will develop and implement personalized strategies to foster long-term relationships, secure transformative gifts of $50,000 and above, and achieve fundraising goals that directly support the university’s mission and priorities. This position requires a combination of independent decision-making, innovative strategy development, and effective team collaboration. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to have a direct and lasting impact on the university’s fundraising efforts while cultivating a thriving culture of philanthropy. The Senior Director will be a key partner to university leadership in advancing philanthropic support and will have the opportunity to drive meaningful change across the institution. The role requires regular travel and attendance at evening and weekend events to engage with donors and strengthen relationships in key markets. Benefits of Employment (Applies to full-time, non-police employees only) Job Duties Duties & Responsibilities Portfolio Management and Donor Engagement
Manages a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, developing personalized strategies to cultivate relationships and inspire major gift commitments.
Creates and implements engagement and fundraising plans that align donor interests with university and team-based initiatives.
Conducts regular in-person or virtual donor visits, cultivation activities, and stewardship interactions to strengthen relationships.
Delivers exceptional donor experiences focused on joyful, mission-aligned giving.
Travels 40% of work time (including overnight travel) and attends evening/weekend donor events as needed.
Consistently meets or exceeds annual performance goals, which may include substantial face-to-face visits, qualification visits, solicitation proposals submitted, gifts booked and closed, and total fundraising dollars raised.
Duties & Responsibilities Donor Qualification and Solicitation
Identiies and qualifies new individual prospects through discovery visits and outreach.
Assesses philanthropic capacity and interest, transitioning qualified prospects into the major gift portfolio.
Develops and presents compelling proposals for major gifts in support of university priorities.
Collaborates with university leadership to coordinate major gift solicitations and secure commitments.
Duties & Responsibilities Team Management and Strategy Development

Leads and Manages Fundraising Team:

Directly supervises and mentor a team of fundraisers, providing guidance and feedback to support professional growth and performance. Working with the VP for Philanthropy, establish clear expectations and performance goals that align with the university’s advancement priorities.

Develops Team Fundraising Strategy:

Collaborates with team members to develop comprehensive fundraising strategies that ensure alignment with institutional goals, team unit priorities and donor interests. Sets short

• and long-term fundraising objectives, including plans for securing endowment contributions and planned gifts, regularly reviewing progress, and adjusting approaches as necessary.

Provides Leadership and Motivation:

Fosters a collaborative and supportive team environment that encourages creativity, accountability, and excellence. Provides regular coaching and development opportunities to enhance team performance and morale.

Performance Management:

Regularly assesses individual and team performance, providing constructive feedback, conducting performance reviews, and identifying opportunities for professional development.
Support a

Culture of Collaboration:

Encourages teamwork and open communication within the philanthropy team and across the university. Promotes a shared vision for fundraising success that engages internal and external partners. Proactively models and activates advancement’s core values

• Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellent Communication
• in daily interactions and team culture.

Duties & Responsibilities Team Collaboration and Cross-Functional Partnerships
Collaborates with deans, faculty, and administrative leaders to align fundraising strategies with academic and institutional priorities.
Partners with the Director of Planned Giving to identify opportunities for blended and planned gifts.
Works with the Senior Director of Principal Gifts to strategize on major gifts of $1,000,000 and above.
Coordinates with the Engagement Team, including annual giving, donor success, and alumni relations, to ensure a seamless donor experience.
Duties & Responsibilities Operational Effectiveness and Data Integrity
Usees advancement systems and technology to maximize efficiency, strategic planning, and communication.
Maintains accurate documentation of all donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes in the CRM/database.
Ensures accurate fund agreements and financial commitments are processed in a timely manner.
Collaborates with Advancement Records and Gifts to manage the integrity of donor records and gift processing.
Actively participates in performance management and goal-setting processes, including creating personal plans and overseeing team members’ Personal Success Plans and annual work plans.
Duties & Responsibilities Other Duties as Assigned