Bemidji State University invites

Applications for the position of:
Executive Director of

University Advancement

OPENING DATE: January 3, 2018

CLOSING DATE:February 2, 2018

APPOINTMENT DATE: May 1, 2018 (flexible)

SALARY: Depends on Qualifications

JOB TYPE: At Will

The Executive Director of University Advancement will oversee and direct the engagement and development efforts of the Bemidji State University (BSU) Alumni and Foundation. These duties include: overseeing all fund-raising efforts, supervising and mentoring the professional staff, overseeing Human Resources policies and benefits, staffing the Alumni and Foundation board, and oversight of prospect research and donor management functions. Together with the Alumni and Foundation Board, the ED is responsible for developing and implementing the priorities and strategies for development and fund-raising as established by the Alumni and Foundation and the University. As the lead development officer, the ED also carries a moderate portfolio of major donor prospects. Travel required will be approximately 25% (regional and national). This position is located in Bemidji.

Key Responsibilities

University Advancement Operations and Management

Responsible for all organizational management, operations and leadership to include:

  • Hire, train, inspire, supervise, coach and guide the entire Alumni & Foundation team toward accountable, goal-oriented outcomes. Work with the staff and Board committees to set annual goals and metrics. Oversee and ensure implementation of all human resources policies and procedures.
  • Ensure dynamic processes in all phases of donor identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Lead the team in the development of annual plans and budgets for alumni relations, the annual fund, major gifts, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, stewardship and Alumni & Foundation owned properties.
  • Perform as a member of the President’s Cabinet. Engage University faculty and staff in an effort to broaden the culture of philanthropy. Maintain cooperative working relationships with academic leaders, athletics, and campus departments whose cooperation is essential to effective outreach and fundraising.

Relationship Development and Fund Raising

  • Serve as the lead engagement, development and fund-raising officer.
  • Maintain a dynamic portfolio of high net worth individuals and secure major, capital, and planned gifts, as well as advanced annual gifts and endowment support.
  • Oversee all alumni engagement events, programs and activities.
  • Prepare for and implement current and future campaign initiatives through comprehensive and effective campaign planning and execution.
  • Oversee all marketing and communication efforts of both Alumni & Foundation and University marketing and communication staff related to alumni engagement and donor development.
  • Serve as a visible and active member of the greater University community in advancing the interests of the Alumni & Foundation and the University.

Alumni & Foundation Board

  • Provide leadership and staff support to the volunteer Board of Directors.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and the University and between the Board and the Alumni & Foundation staff.
  • Work with the Board committees on strategic planning, development of policies and procedures, management of organizational finances and investment, and oversight of personnel and human resource issues.
  • Staff key Board committees, including, but not limited to Executive Committee, Personnel and Planning/ Development.
  • Work with the Executive Committee on planning and preparing for Board meetings.
  • Assist in the identification, recruitment and training of new Board members.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Foundation Board Executive Committee in consultation with the University President.

Reporting Relationships:

The Executive Director of University Advancement reports directly to BSU President, Faith Hensrud. The ED also has a strong dotted-line relationship to the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board. Direct reports to the ED include staff in the areas of Alumni Relations, Communications and Marketing, Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Accounting, and Administration.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 5 or more years of experience in development and fundraising in a team environment of both professional staff and volunteers.
  • 5 or more years of effective development and management experience.

Preferred:

  • Master’s Degree preferred or equivalent education and experience.
  • Certified Fundraising Executives (CFRE) preferred.
  • 5 or more years of experience in development and fundraising in a team environment of both professional staff and volunteers in a College/University setting.

Other Preferred Qualifications

  • Belief and commitment to the mission, vision, values and goals of the University and the Foundation.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills.
  • Strong interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to work effectively as an energetic team leader of the development staff.
  • Self-starter with enthusiasm and strong organizational skills.
  • The ability to establish effective working relationships with internal personnel and external constituents.
  • Strong computer and technological aptitude.
  • Demonstrated competence in program planning and evaluation.
  • Willingness to travel regionally and nationally.
  • A passion for continued professional development.
  • Highly energetic, ethical and extroverted personality

with strong management ability, including successful

organizational and budgeting experience.

  • A demonstrated commitment to diversity.
  • A skilled and effective communicator with a track record of managing, supporting, and developing people.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

  • All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of an offer of employment.
  • Persons writing letters of references should be advised of Minnesota's open record law which can make such letters available to applicants upon request.
  • This position is part of the Minnesota State Administrators Plan: Contract found here:
  • ExecutiveOfficial transcript(s) must be provided to Human Resources upon hire.
  • In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnState) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, faculty and staff driving on college/university business, who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to complete a vehicle Use Agreement form and conform to MnState’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check.
  • BSU and NTC are tobacco free workplaces (see policy)

Apply online:

A Complete application will include the following attachments:

  • Cover letter, which addresses the required qualifications and your specific interest in working at Bemidji State University.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
  • Names and contact information for three (3) people who can provide a professional reference.

Inquiries:

Lindsay Polyak

Recruiter – Cohen Taylor

807 Broadway St NE, Suite 220, Minneapolis, MN 55413

M: (612) 963 5879

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY:
Join our University Community!
Bemidji State University, located amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. The city of Bemidji has a population of 14,000 and serves as a regional commerce and health care center for about 130,000 residents of north-central Minnesota. Bemidji State enrolls more than 5,100 students and offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and eight graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and has a faculty and staff of more than 600. The university's Shared Fundamental Values include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and international and multicultural understanding.
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Bemidji State University is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.