Director of Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy

DES MOINES, IA 50316

Apply Overview Position Type Full Time Apply Description The Director of Philanthropy is a senior fundraising professional responsible for securing major and planned gifts while providing strategic leadership for Grand View University's annual fund. Working closely with the Vice President for Advancement and the Advancement team, the Director manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, advances campaign priorities, and ensures strong alignment between annual giving efforts and major gift cultivation. This position is focused on face-to-face major gift fundraising, including thoughtful donor strategy and disciplined movement of prospects through the gift cycle, while also maintaining ownership of annual fund planning and execution. The Director collaborates with University leadership, volunteers, and colleagues across campus to build a cohesive, donor-centered fundraising program that supports both immediate and long-term institutional goals. Grand View University seeks a professional who values collaboration, transparency, and relationship-based work, and who brings curiosity, empathy, and professionalism to a supportive and collegial Advancement culture. The successful candidate will be an experienced fundraiser who pairs strong results with humility, integrity, and a commitment to shared success. Essential Responsibilities Manage a portfolio of approximately 60-70 major and planned gift prospects, with responsibility for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Play a central role in the University's comprehensive campaign, by advancing assigned prospects toward leadership and major gift commitments aligned with campaign priorities. Lead the strategy, planning, execution, and evaluation of annual fund campaigns, ensuring they are donor-centered, goal-driven, and aligned with major gift cultivation and campaign objectives. Execute all aspects of the major and planned gift process, including initiating donor relationships, developing individualized strategies and proposals, engaging University leadership and volunteers, personally soliciting gifts, closing commitments, and stewarding donors. Secure philanthropic support for academic programs, scholarships, endowed funds, unrestricted giving, capital projects, and other strategic initiatives. Use annual fund data and relationships to identify, qualify, and move prospects into the major gift pipeline, and ensure consistent messaging and stewardship across giving levels. Provide prospect strategy and fundraising counsel to the President, Vice President for Advancement, and Advancement colleagues managing other major and annual giving prospects. Recruit, train, and support volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts, particularly for leadership annual giving and campaign initiatives. Analyze fundraising performance, portfolio activity, and annual fund results to inform strategy, improve effectiveness, and drive progress toward goals. Contribute positively to the Advancement team by supporting major institutional events and initiatives, including Homecoming, the 1896 Club Dinner, The Viktors, and Viktory Day of Giving. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of five years of successful major gift fundraising experience, preferably in higher education; equivalent experience in relationship-based development, sales, or philanthropy will be considered. Demonstrated success in building strong donor relationships and securing significant philanthropic commitments. Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse constituencies. Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also functioning independently and managing a complex portfolio. Willingness and ability to travel as required. All applicants should submit their materials through our online application process. Pre-employment background check required.