Assoc. Director of Development, Graduate School of Oceanography

 Title: Associate Director of Development, Graduate School of Oceanography

 Department: Development

 Reports to: Barb Palmer, Senior Director of Development, CELS/GSO

 Location: Narragansett Bay Campus

 Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The URI Foundation (URIF) is looking for an enthusiastic, energetic individual to serve as the Associate Director of Development for the Graduate School of Oceanography. 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development will contribute to a strategic, comprehensive, and proactive fundraising program primarily for the Graduate School of Oceanography that reflects industry best practices and maximizes charitable contributions via comprehensive gifts. This position requires an entrepreneurial, creative, and robust approach to identify potential donors, cultivate relationships, and capitalize on opportunities for advancing College interests.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented and collaborative professional to contribute to the growth and maturation of URI’s development organization, and to optimize the philanthropic potential of the University’s alumni, parents’, and friends’ support of URI. The ideal candidate is passionate about education, self-motivated, driven, highly organized, technologically savvy, and entrepreneurial. They are an experienced relationship builder, effective sales professional, and familiar with higher-education fundraising.

Key Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management & Major Gift Fundraising

• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, and manages a portfolio of 125+ donors and prospective donors with the inclination and capacity to make gifts at the $100,000 level and higher. 

• Major gift discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure: 75% effort.

• Reviews and analyzes the currently identified prospect pool and portfolio. 

• Devises individual involvement/engagement strategies for all prospects using a “top- down” approach to ensure that highest-rated prospects receive the most attention. 

• Implements comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Works independently and in concert with senior officers, other colleagues, and volunteers to execute strategies to close leadership and major gifts.

Advancement & Strategic Development

• In conjunction with a broader strategy and collaboratively with URIF colleagues, assists in elevating sustained current-use support and raises awareness of URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography- related initiatives.

• Becomes a subject-matter specialist within URI’s School of Oceanography.

• Collaborate with the College of the Environment and Life Sciences and College of Engineering as needed.

Prospect Discovery & Donor Outreach

• Regional discovery is a key element of this position.

• Plans and executes donor outreach and travel to initiate and qualify potential donors, including trip planning and follow-up.

Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Relationship Building

• Schedules meetings and helps coordinate the preparation of necessary materials, including funding proposals, briefings for senior officers and board members when necessary, and stewardship reports for all assigned prospects. Identifies prospects to participate in specific events, committees, and other programs that promote the cultivation process.

• Assists and participates with signature activities including but not limited to Day of Giving, Homecoming Weekend, Dean’s Basketball Suites, and assorted URIF and College-based events to increase donor involvement.

• Actively pursues RhodyNow (annual fund) gifts.

Volunteer, Board & Stakeholder Relations

• Participates and supports meetings and activities, for all Graduate School of Oceanography Area Advisory Councils and Boards.

• Partners with the URIF Gift Planning Office, Corporate & Foundations Office, Principal Gifts, Annual Initiatives Office, Alumni Engagement Office, and Donor Relations Office to devise overall strategies for cultivation, solicitation stewardship and engagement as it relates to the Graduate School of Oceanography prospects, donors and partners.  

Required Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required.

• A minimum of three to five years of development or related experience.

• A track record of success in relationship management, development, and/or sales will be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in higher education and/or an ocean or science-related field is desired.

• Experience working with volunteer boards is preferred.

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 based on experience.

Join the URI Foundation team!

We offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and unparalleled retirement savings programs. Join our team of talented, mission-driven advancement professionals!

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, making decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by law.