Assistant Director, Development

The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic, Marianist research university with academic offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. Our mission is to educate the whole person and link learning and scholarship with leadership and service. University Advancement promotes a culture of philanthropy, volunteer engagement and lifelong relationships in support of the University’s mission. As we prepare for a new president in July 2027, we are growing our exceptional team of passionate, mission-driven Advancement professionals and are looking for an Assistant Director, Development to join our Regional Philanthropy Team. Apply today and be part of helping us build our next campaign!

The Assistant Director is responsible for the development and management of a
portfolio of major gift prospects, focusing on solicitations of outright gifts and 3 - 5 year
pledges for University of Dayton and its programs. The Assistant Director will qualify,
cultivate, and solicit University of Dayton alumni/ae, parents and friends capable of
making major gifts. Devise and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies
(including ask amounts) and meet activity and revenue goals by planning, managing,
and maintaining a regular travel schedule both locally and to assigned regional
territories. Execute cultivation methods including telephone, email, and personal visits
with prospective donors. Participate in events and programs in support of development
activities. Engage key volunteers and effectively utilize established events and other
activities to move solicitations forward. Conduct appropriate stewardship activities to
further enhance the relationship between assigned donors and UD. Initiate and maintain
contact to promote positive donor relations. Solicit major gifts to fund core university
priorities; working with donors directly and working with department colleagues, unit
fundraisers and volunteers. Effectively communicate progress of cultivation efforts and
results of visits with relevant staff and by documentation in contact reports, with
particular emphasis on major donor prospect identification. Identify and qualify
prospects each year for major gift capacity and interest. Act as liaison between the
Office of Development and various university departments and donors. This position
reports to the Director & Team Lead, Development.

The Assistant Director will work from an office at University of Dayton or out of a home
office, preferably in the West Region, due to the location of assigned prospects.

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and
applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two years of experience in university based fundraising, non profit fundraising, or outside sales.
• Successful demonstration in reaching defined goals.
• Strong written communication and verbal communication skills with various constituent types.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Ability to travel domestically and work a flexible schedule as needed.
• This position requires a valid driver's license, low risk driving record and insurability by the University.

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Greater than two years of experience in university based fundraising, non profit fundraising, or outside sales.
• Demonstrated successful experience in the following:
- soliciting and securing gifts face to face with prospects, problem solving
- applying organizational skills to a fundraising or sales position held
- developing short term and long term strategies for prospects
- providing customer service
- adapting to changing needs and environment
- effectively managing multiple, concurrent tasks
- effectively managing volunteers
- maximizing results by defining and following a plan
- developing and maintaining relationships
• Exercise good judgment in discussing alumni, issues and results.
• Maintain composure and calm demeanor in difficult situations.
• Previous work experience in higher education or non profit environment.
• Commitment to the University's Catholic/Marianist character, personal integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Successful demonstration in exceeding defined fundraising goals.
• Experience working in advancement databases such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce.
• Ability to promote inclusive excellence in the workplace and community.

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.