Director, Development

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
sciarc.edu

Job Title: Director, Development
Department: Development
Reports to: Director/CEO
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Pay Scale: $120,000 – $130,000 annual
Schedule: Eligible for Hybrid Schedule after completing training period

Summary:

The Director of Development must have a demonstrated ability to build and cultivate philanthropic relationships with foundations, corporations, individual prospects, and government agencies in support of the needs of the SCI-Arc mission. The Director will engage in careful and innovative prospect research, effective cultivation and stewardship of prospective and existing funders, strategic development of proposals and preparing goal oriented annual development and communications plans. Campaign experience is desired, but not required.

The Director will bring genuine passion for education, architecture, and design and for the institution’s uninhibited mission, coupled with proven experience in driving fundraising growth and achieving goals. The Director will guide and mentor the Development department in its various duties and responsibilities, while working closely with the departments of Communications, Research, and other branches of the Institute as needed and to develop and refine advancement strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

– Build and manage a portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation prospects for national, regional, and local funders and conduct written and face-to-face solicitations with prospective donors
– Actively identify and research new and existing corporate and foundation prospects for priority projects and programs and determine the best cultivation and solicitation strategies
– Communicate effectively and develop collaborative relationships with the academic community around funding prospects and opportunities
– Work with members of the leadership team, faculty, and administrators to develop and submit institutional proposals
– Manage proposal initiatives, develop solicitation strategies and compelling proposals that align with the funding organization’s mission and purpose
– Ensure stewardship of donor and funder expectations regarding programmatic and fund reporting
– Ensure compliance with the institution’s fundraising policies, procedures and donor management
– Establish strong working relationships across the SCI-Arc community, including with the Director/CEO, Vice Director/ Chief Academic Officer, Academic Programs Chairs, Coordinator of Sponsored Research, and senior leadership
– Stay informed of trends in philanthropy, particularly corporate and foundation funding
– Work as a key member of the development team in the planning and implementation of short- and long-term goals.
– Broker meetings and discussions between SCI-Arc faculty and external constituents to produce innovative partnerships and bold agendas at the forefront of architecture, design and urban planning
– Work collaboratively with faculty, academic leadership, and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion office, and the board of trustees to create and implement strategies to build corporate relationships to further the mission
– Be an integral member of the SCI-Arc community, staying abreast of general trends in the fields of study offered at the Institute and in the major areas of industry where alumni are employed
– Oversee Development staff engaged in alumni services, grant writing, event planning, database management, and other activities related to the department.

Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred
– Minimum 5 years of progressive, successful experience in corporate and foundation fundraising and closing major gifts for a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and cutting-edge institution—education, arts, architecture, and other relevant fields
– Experience managing an engaged portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation prospects, preferably within a higher education setting
– Experience identifying and researching corporate and foundation prospects and designing effective cultivation and solicitation strategies to secure resources
– Familiar with fundraising software and Microsoft Office Suite conversant with the digital marketing and social media of a tech-oriented, highly international educational institution, and willing to become familiar with the areas of software and technology integral to curriculum and research at the Institute
– Collaborative team player; a mentor and motivator of staff
– Sound financial acumen and knowledge of budget preparation, monitoring, and administration
– Proven experience in the full spectrum of development including gift policies, solicitations, stewardship, donor recognition and administration
– Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships across the institution, including board members, and donors, with an emphasis on tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism and discretion
– Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
– Effective written and oral communication skills with emphasis on public speaking and presenting information about programs to potential donors and audiences in a relatable and compelling fashion
– Knowledge of trends, legislation, and key issues impacting higher education advancement
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
– Strong organizational and time management skills, strong customer service, interpersonal, and team building skills
– Willingness to work occasional evening, weekend hours, and travel as needed
– Knowledge and experience using research resources to identify individual prospects and institutional funders

SCI-Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Salary: $120,000 – $130,000 annually

Benefits: “We offer a great benefits package with medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.”

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Deadline to apply: February 14, 2025

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: To apply, visit the online application system.