Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Director of Development for Parent and Family Philanthropy, the Assistant Director of Development plays a key role in supporting and achieving the annual and strategic philanthropic parent fundraising goals. Working independently and in collaboration with key parent volunteers, University leadership, faculty, and Development and University Relations ( DAUR ) staff, the incumbent manages the complete lifecycle of parent and family giving. By identifying, qualifying, cultivating, writing proposals for, soliciting, and stewarding individual parent prospects and donors, the Assistant Director builds and nurtures relationships to fulfill Fordham University’s institutional fundraising priorities. Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend work is required.
Essential Functions
In collaboration with the Senior Director, utilizes reflective discernment practices to develop and execute overall gift strategy for current and past parent and family leadership gifts. Manages a personal portfolio of approximately 150 major gift parents and family prospects. Devises individual engagement strategies for each prospect in their pool, with the goal of soliciting annual gifts and/or multi-year gift commitments at the $ 5,000+ level, with specific solicitation goals to be determined in an annual goal-setting process. Researches parents and family donors’ philanthropic areas of interest and develops funding proposals and appeal materials that align their priorities with the University’s academic and student-centered initiatives. Collaborates with academic leadership and other campus partners (Student Affairs, Athletics, etc.) to cultivate and solicit Parents’ Leadership Council members, strengthening their connection to the University and broadening engagement among non-alumni constituencies through compelling, mission-driven cases for support. Develops strategies to invite non-alumni families into the Jesuit tradition, ensuring Fordham’s mission is accessible and welcoming to families of all religious and cultural backgrounds. Leverages project management, personal relationship-building, research, strategic communication, and engagement skills to effectively identify, assess, and qualify parent and family constituents. Intentionally nurtures relationships with these constituents by actively listening to identify where a family’s values and life experiences intersect with Fordham’s mission.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in fundraising in education, religious, and/or nonprofit organization(s). Successful track record of fundraising from non-alumni/parent constituencies. Familiarity with fundraising databases and tools ( CRM Advance, Fundraiser Performance Management, etc.). Plus Delta certification.
Work Environment
Office Environment: Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.
