The Executive Director for Affinity Giving raises funding for Boise State University through individual, corporate, and foundation contributions. This position will carry a portfolio of key major and principal gift prospects and is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of these donors to drive private gift support for current and future Boise State affinity programs.

A nonprofit Idaho organization, the Boise State University Foundation was established in 1964 for the benefit of Boise State University. We work to secure philanthropic support for the university by developing and nurturing relationships with our alumni and friends and stewarding gifts made to support Boise State. The Foundation works closely with university leadership, the Boise State University Alumni Association, and the Bronco Athletic Association.

Mission: To build a greater Boise State University, we provide fundraising leadership and service across the university and partner with donors and alumni to inspire private support.

Core Values:

• Purpose Driven
• Relentless Excellence
• Responsible
• Collaborative

Recognized master in professional discipline with significant impact and influence on campus policy and program development. Establishes critical strategic and operational goals; develops and implements new products, processes, standards or operational plans to achieve strategies. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the campus; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. Requires significant influence and communication with executive leadership. Problems faced are frequently complex and multidimensional, requiring broad based consideration of variables that impact multiple areas of the organization.

60% of the time the Executive Director for Affinity Giving:

• Plays a pivotal role in guiding and managing the team’s efforts in philanthropic strategy. They are responsible for providing leadership, setting clear objectives, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall fundraising goals. This includes mentoring directors, helping them cultivate and strengthen donor relationships, and developing targeted strategies to enhance fundraising effectiveness. The Executive Director also monitors performance, ensures best practices are followed, and fosters collaboration across departments to maximize philanthropic impact. Affinity programs may include, but are not limited to: Parent and Family Giving, Morrison Center fundraising, support of campus institutes (i.e. Andrus Center, Frank Church Institute, Institute for Advancing American Values, etc.), and Associate and Assistant Directors of Development (ADD’s) efforts to raise leadership annual giving gifts.
• Identifies, cultivates, and solicits philanthropic gifts for the affinity programs support by developing and maintaining relationships with program officers and key decision makers.
• Provide expertise and mentorship for all aspects of developing new affinity programs
  including formulating strategies, assigning prospects, and assessing progress in collaboration with the AVP for Development.
• Steward gifts from industry partners to Boise State.
• Coordinates campus-wide charitable efforts to prioritize and develop more significant strategic initiatives for affinity programs.
• Provides leadership for industry partner and donor prospect coordination, planning and solicitation, as well as other services that empower schools, institutes, and other affinity programs to conduct these activities in the most coordinated and efficient manner.

35% of the time the Executive Director for Affinity Giving:

• Program budget preparation and administration including:
  • Develop and manage the program’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Oversee the ongoing administration of the budget, including tracking expenditures, adjusting as necessary, forecasting program expenses, and producing financial reports.
  • Ensure compliance with financial policies and regulations.
  • Evaluate budget performance to inform future planning and improve fiscal responsibility.
• Clearly explain the Foundation's processes, guidelines, and priorities to prospective partners and donors, ensuring a thorough understanding of how their contributions can support and advance specific programs or initiatives.
• Communicate and identify strategic areas where the Foundation can play a pivotal role in enhancing the mission of affiliated schools, institutes, and programs.
• Actively engage with schools, institutes, and other affinity programs to solicit innovative ideas and identify opportunities for collaboration that align with the Foundation’s mission.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to align efforts, share insights, and foster partnerships that support long-term growth and impact.

5% of the time the Executive Director for Affinity Giving:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to raise major and transformational gifts.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with senior level executives, alumni and friends.
• Ability to communicate in a compelling way both orally and written.
• Ability to work effectively with internal staff to convey technical program objectives to a non- academic audience.
• Ability to manage prospects from identification through stewardship.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Critical decision-maker.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, coaching staff.
• Experience pursuing funds through foundation grants and corporate philanthropy.
• Resourceful and self-motivated.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in managing relationships with high-level prospects in an effort to secure major and transformational gifts.
• Competency in navigation of donor database systems and related software.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Must be organized and demonstrate the ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.

• Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years experience or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education.

Please submit a cover letter indicating your interest and qualifications for the position. Attach a resume that includes employment history (including dates of employment).

This position is open until filled with review of applications starting December 2, 2024.

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/