The Director of Development serves as the operational leader of La Roche University's fundraising program, providing the systems, structure, and accountability necessary to support fundraising growth. This role partners closely with the Vice President for Advancement to strengthen fundraising effectiveness by overseeing prospect management, prospect development, reporting, gift administration, and operational processes.
The position is designed to free frontline fundraisers and university leadership to focus on donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship while ensuring the advancement program operates with discipline, consistency, and data-informed decision-making.
La Roche University embraces its Catholic identity while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds, fosters global citizenship, and creates a community of scholars from around the world. The University empowers all members of the community to become lifelong learners, achieve success in their chosen careers, and promote justice and peace in a constantly changing global society.
CORE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Prospect Management and Portfolio Strategy
- Lead the University's prospect management efforts.
- Provide oversight to portfolio assignment and guide qualification and moves management processes.
- Conduct regular portfolio reviews and monitor fundraiser activity and pipeline progression.
- Ensure prospects are strategically assigned and actively managed.
Prospect Development and Research
- Oversee prospect research and prospect identification efforts.
- Develop standards for prospect profiles, donor intelligence, and capacity assessments.
- Produce prospect research and briefing materials as needed while building long-term prospect development capacity.
- Support frontline fundraisers in identifying and prioritizing major gift opportunities.
Development Operations and Gift Administration
- Oversee gift administration, donor stewardship processes, and operational workflows.
- Establish policies and procedures that promote efficiency, consistency, and strong donor experiences.
- Partner with university colleagues to ensure accurate gift reporting and reconciliation.
Fundraising Performance and Reporting
- Oversee development and maintenance of fundraising dashboards, reports, and key performance metrics.
- Monitor fundraising activity, portfolio health, and pipeline movement.
- Support accountability and performance management across the advancement team.
Advancement Systems and Business Intelligence
- Provide strategic oversight of advancement systems and data practices.
- Promote data integrity, reporting consistency, and active use of fundraising technology.
Cross-Campus Fundraising Support
- Support faculty, administrators, and university leaders engaged in donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Coordinate information, stories, and funding opportunities that strengthen donor engagement.
- Serve as a resource to campus partners in advancing philanthropic priorities.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, external relations, sales, community engagement, governmental relations, or related field.
STRATEGIC VALUE
This position creates the operational infrastructure necessary for a high-performing advancement program. By providing leadership in prospect management, research, reporting, and fundraising operations, the Director of Development increases organizational accountability, strengthens donor pipeline management, and allows frontline fundraisers to focus on securing philanthropic support for the University.
In order for applications to be fully processed, a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references must accompany a completed application. Candidates are subject to background clearances. Review of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.
Qualified applicants can complete an online application by clicking on the following link:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Applicants for this position must have current legal authorization to work in the United States. La Roche University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
No Relocation Assistance
It is the policy of La Roche University to promote equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, creed, age, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability or medical condition, or any other legally protected status.