Senior Director for Advancement, Regional Advancement (East Coast) (Remote)

Advancement

The University of Missouri (MU) seeks a strategic and motivated fundraising professional to serve as the Senior Director for Advancement, Regional Advancement (East Coast). This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors who can contribute $50,000 or more.

Managing a portfolio of 60-100 donors and prospects, the Senior Director will achieve high levels of annual productivity in meetings, proposals, and gifts closed. This individual will collaborate closely with colleagues across MU's schools, colleges, and programs to align strategy and maximize philanthropic support in a key geographic region. While Greater NYC/NJ is the core focus, the Senior Director will also provide strategic support across additional key areas of the East Coast, including the Northeast (e.g., Boston), Mid-Atlantic (e.g., DC), and Southeast (e.g., Florida).

Primary Responsibilities
* Identify, evaluate, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors through personal visits, calls, and correspondence.
* Manage a portfolio of 60-100 individual prospects, developing customized strategies for major and planned gift engagement.
* Maintain a high level of outreach and activity, including travel for in-person meetings.
* Craft and deliver proposals to secure gifts of $50,000 and above.
* Work collaboratively with academic units and Advancement teams-including Planned Giving, Donor Relations, the Mizzou Alumni Association, and Corporate and Foundation Relations.
* Utilize prospect research, internal data, and CRM systems to guide engagement strategy.
* Support and participate in donor events and alumni engagement activities in the East Coast region.
* Contribute to the Regional Advancement program's strategic planning and goal setting.
* Assist in onboarding and mentoring new Advancement staff through joint visits and guidance.
* Report regularly on progress, metrics, and donor pipeline development.

This is a remote position. Preference will be given to candidates residing on the East Coast or with significant experience engaging East Coast-based constituents. The position requires regular travel to Columbia, Missouri (minimum of three to four times annually) to connect with Advancement staff, campus partners, and coordinate alumni visits.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
* Extensive knowledge of and experience working within the East Coast region and constituencies
* A track record of successfully soliciting and closing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships.
* Deep understanding of the donor life cycle and philanthropic strategy, including major and planned giving vehicles.
* Experience using a donor-focused approach to fundraising, with the ability to connect donor interests to institutional priorities.
* Strategic, data-informed decision-making and planning abilities.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage alumni and stakeholders.
* Familiarity with fundraising principles and operations within a university or nonprofit setting.
* Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
* Proficiency with technology platforms and CRM systems.
* A collaborative, goal-oriented mindset and a commitment to excellence.

Salary Range: $120,000-$140,000 yearly

Grade: GGS-013

University Title: Advancement Director III

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume and Cover Letter

Our benefits:
As one of Missouri's largest employers, MU staff members enjoy exceptionally competitive health, PTO and retirement plans. A few highlights:
* Health Insurance -Three plans to choose from, including our Custom Network Plan; a cost-effective insurance option that utilizes our extensive network of MU-affiliated hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
* HSA - UM provides between $400 - $1200 in contributions to health savings accounts, depending on plans and dependents
* Dental - 100% coverage for preventative care, with no restrictions on network or non-network providers
* Vision - $0 copays on frames and contact lenses along with a $140 allowance, and a $10 copay on yearly eye exams.
* Retirement - UM will match 100% of up to 8% of eligible pay contributed to a 457(b), with a three-year vesting period on University contributions.
* Tuition Assistance - Up to 75% of tuition and supplemental fees waived for employees, and 50% waived for spouses and dependents
* Time Off - Personal time off (PTO) as well as 9 paid holidays.
* Winter Break - The university observes a paid holiday for the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.