Assistant Director of Development

The principal activity of the Assistant Director of Development is to be externally focused, with responsibility for engaging a portfolio of individuals, corporations, and foundations with a potential affinity for ASU, particularly prospects with an interest in our research and discovery activities. The Assistant Director of Development will thus cultivate partnerships and investments that contribute to ASU’s Charter to “advance research and discovery of public value” and in support of ASU’s overall goal to create knowledge and innovations to improve the future across the domains of sustainability, advanced technology, health, space, and national security. With guidance from the Executive Director of Development for Moonshot and Science Philanthropy, the Assistant Director of Development will maintain up-to-date knowledge on the fundraising priorities of the ASU Knowledge Enterprise and stay closely attuned to the activities and goals of ASU’s various research and discovery initiatives, institutes, and centers. The Assistant Director’s effectiveness will be evaluated on the ability to achieve financial goals and contact metrics consistent with the programs and prospects assigned.

What you’ll do: 

• Assists in the development and execution of strategic fundraising and engagement efforts of ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise—including relevant initiatives and institutes—by designing, implementing, evaluating and refining development activities to drive donor retention, reactivation, acquisition, and pipeline growth.

• Actively engages donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students, managing a personal gift/prospect portfolio with a focus on securing gifts at or above the $25,000 level in accordance with performance metrics.

• Participate in monthly team meetings.

• Works with development team and academic and research leaders to assist and direct the implementation and coordination of special fundraising and engagement opportunities by identifying, cultivating and soliciting annual, major, and planned gifts.

• Guided by the direction and scope of a prospect’s interest, collaborates with various faculty, institute/center directors, and unit-based and foundation-based fundraisers to leverage the maximum philanthropic potential of a prospect.

• Develops and submits written proposals, budgets, and other collateral materials as needed for securing philanthropic investments.

• Collaborates with and coordinates the efforts of various ASU offices and functions to advance prospect and donor strategies (i.e., alumni engagement, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, development, donor relations, estate and gift planning, financial services, research and prospect management, etc.).

• Proactively manages a major gift/prospect portfolio ($25,000+), prospects, develops and executes strategic prospect strategies leading to solicitation and investment based on the opportunities of each special assignment.

• Uses the ASUF prospect management and tracking system (i.e., Salesforce,) to record and coordinate contacts and proposals.

• Assumes responsibility for core fundraising metrics including face-to-face visits with prospects, identification of new prospects, growth in cumulative giving from the prospect portfolio, major gift proposals submitted, dollars raised.

• Ensures proper stewardship and recognition of donors in portfolio.

• Assists development team with campaign planning and implementation.

• Participates as a member of the ASUF development team and serves as a resource to development colleagues regarding fundraising opportunities.

• Establishes strong working relationships with deans, chairs, directors, and faculty members of assigned unit(s)

What you'll need:  

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles.
• Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.
• Database management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Highly skilled in tracking and ensuring success on a number of simultaneous projects.
• Thoughtful planner and flexible implementer (can translate ideas into actionable steps and iterate quickly based on changing dynamics).
• Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills and rigor in completing tasks.
• Comfort with developing new processes and charting new courses for ways to support research and discovery activities at ASU.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
• Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Program planning and leadership skills.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information.
• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to represent the institution well and possess an advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in donor/prospect computer database systems.

Relevant qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or currently enrolled in bachelor's degree program
• Two (2) to (3) years of successful development experience
• Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of development objectives

Preferred qualifications: 

• Advanced degree
• Two (2) to (3) years of successful development experience in higher education or college athletics for applicable roles
• Experience working in Salesforce and Workday
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques including proposal development, prospect identification, fund solicitation, database management, donor tracking, and social networking and marketing tools in higher education.
• Curiosity around or general interest in science, research, and discovery.

Benefits:  

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution 

• 22 days of vacation time 

• 11 holidays, including your birthday 

• Parental leave 

• Significant tuition reductions 

• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Enterprise Partners, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest 

• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement 

About ASU Foundation:

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation We Value:

Character

We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.

Service

We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.

Innovation

Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please apply directly on our Careers page