Title: Director of Development

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Foundation, the Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program to support the mission and strategic goals of the college. This role focuses on securing philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, corporations, grants, and other sources to fund scholarships, academic programs, capital improvements, and other college priorities.

Job Duties

• Fundraising Strategy & Execution 
• Develop and execute annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Lead initiatives to grow annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and special campaigns to include employee giving campaign. 
• Partner with college leadership, faculty, and staff to identify fundraising opportunities. 
• Work closely with the Foundation Board or Advancement Committee to leverage relationships and secure support. Programs/Strategic Communication
• This position also strategically develops and manages the Jackson State alumni association. 
• Develop and manage all aspects of the Jackson State Alumni Association and alumni programs, including recruiting and coordinating volunteers, planning events, securing event sponsorships. 
• Build and sustain relationships with alumni, community members, and corporate partners. 
• Coordinates and organizes the development and implementation of strategic communications in multiple mediums in a timely fashion. These communications will include, but not be limited to, annual reporting, social media, newsletters, endowment reports, fundraising campaign materials, and press releases. Events & Campaigns 
• Plan and oversee fundraising events, donor receptions, and other engagement activities. 
• Provide leadership in any capital campaigns or special fundraising initiatives. Performance Metrics 
• Tracks donor relations and stewardship activities in the established databases to enhance relationships and increase the likelihood of continued contributions. 
• Uses key metrics to achieve higher retention rates and donor satisfaction. 
• Tracking metrics to assess the current engagement and activity of donors to determine which efforts have the greatest business impact. Other Duties 
• Performs additional duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Three (3) years progressively responsible and successful fund-raising, foundation or sales experience
• Experience with fundraising CRM software (such as Blackbaud)

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in securing donations and investments
• Prior experience in higher education
• Five (5) years progressively responsible and successful fund-raising or sales experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively analyze data and inquiries, think critically, and make appropriate decisions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work as part of a team or work alone without close supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing at times
• Prolonged screen time
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
• Repetitive Movement

Pay Rate:  $55,523 - $69,405 (Annual salary depending on eligible experience, which is defined by the current compensation plan.)

Position Close Date:  Open until filled. For best consideration, please apply by, 09/14/2025.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered for this position, you must submit an application.  Prior applications will not be used to fill this vacancy.  

A completed satisfactory background check will be required before hire.