POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Development
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1779
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
1779 Director of Development
POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Development
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1779
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Executive Director of Major and Planned Giving
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Development (DOD) assists donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals while simultaneously helping Missouri State University advance its mission. The primary duty of the DOD is to bring in major gifts (gifts of $25,000 or more) by qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects for major gifts on behalf of Missouri State University. This position works closely with Advancement leadership, University administration and appropriate faculty and staff to cultivate potential donors. The Director of Development (DOD) exercises judgment in managing and strategically engaging a defined portfolio of current and prospective donors comprised of alumni, friends, parents, and organizations. The DOD evaluates the most effective approach to solicitation for each donor (whether through a formal written proposal or a verbal request) and identifies appropriate giving vehicles, such as outright gifts or planned/estate gifts. This role manages the gift agreement process from initiation to completion to ensure accurate gift administration. Additional responsibilities include determining when donor‑facing travel is necessary and managing an assigned budget.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least three years of successful professional experience is required, preferably in higher education fundraising or in a related career with a comparable, demonstrated, successful track record.
Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with all age groups are required. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. Organizational skills, particularly planning, setting deadlines, and evaluating progress, are required. Computer literacy, particularly in word processing, using Internet resources, and using databases, is required. Must be a self-starter committed to follow through. Experience working effectively in a high energy environment is preferred.
Effort: Occasionally required to lift and carry boxes of materials and equipment weighing 25-50 pounds.
Other: The scope of the job requires travel as well as attendance in evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars, and workshops and visits to donors in their homes and offices.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assures long-term financial support for the University’s priorities by qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major and planned gift prospects through individualized strategies, by managing a dynamic rated prospect portfolio of approximately 100–150 current and prospective donors and effectively matching their philanthropic interests with the needs and goals of the university.2. Serves as the communication liaison between the Division for University Advancement and an assigned cost center. Acts as a development resource and provide guidance to the cost center leadership on development‑related activities and conduct regular meetings with the cost center leadership to understand their needs and priorities.
3. Shares relevant information across University Advancement from the cost center and encourage their collaboration with University Advancement to strengthen alumni and donor engagement efforts in support of the University’s mission.
4. Develops and follows an annual work plan that integrates major gift goals, essential administrative duties, potential travel schedule, and ongoing professional development.
5. Prepares for and conducts donor appointments with a high level of professional competence by staying informed through relevant literature, participation in professional training courses, and maintaining active membership in organizations such as CASE and AFP.6. Accurately records contact reports, cultivation and solicitation plans, updates donor contact information and donor proposals in the CRM Database in a timely manner and in accordance with the Division for University Advancement policies.
7. Maintains strict donor confidentiality and protects sensitive information by conducting all interactions with professionalism, discretion, and adherence to the Division for University Advancement policies.
8. Supports University goals by fostering effective working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
9. Contributes as an effective member of the professional staff by adhering to University and Division for University Advancement policies and guidelines.
10. Supports the overall success of the University by taking primary responsibility for assigned special projects and completing all additional duties in a timely and professional manner.
SUPERVISION
Frequently provides instruction, direction, and guidance to administrative staff as well as student workers in order to move their work forward.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MARCH 2026
