The Highland Community College Foundation, the private fundraising and relationship building organization for Highland Community College, is seeking a development professional to support qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects.
The Director of Development will report to Executive Director of the Foundation and be responsible for overseeing the major gifts program, 1962 Society, and Heritage Society. They will function as a highly involved member of a dedicated, hard-working and fast-moving development team.
This position is an integral part of the Foundation’s development work and seek a highly collaborative individual to work with an evolving team and visionary campus partners. Highland Community College, serving NW Illinois, has more than 16,000 alumni. Development efforts strive to involve alumni and community leaders in the Mission of the College, resulting in their increased engagement and philanthropic support.
The HCC Foundation is the first community college foundation founded in the state of Illinois (1962). As the College prepares for the future, the philanthropic support provided through this role is essential in the final stages of the Legacy Campaign and cultivation of relationships for future initiatives.
Essential Functions
Major Gift Development
- Develop objectives, priorities and strategies for major gift development related to future campaigns, special programs, and ongoing fund raising in collaboration with the HCCF Executive Director, the HCCF Board, and campus partners.
- Implement development strategies with assigned constituencies, and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors in varying stages of involvement to advance them strategically through the development process.
- Work with as the lead in research and development in project management to identify and qualify a portfolio of major gift prospects from existing and potential donors.
- Schedule and conduct initial assessment/exploratory meetings with prospects, following up with correspondence, phone calls and additional visits as appropriate to qualify prospects.
- Plan and conduct visits/trips, events and other ongoing contact to steward relationships with donors, effectively presenting the case for philanthropic support and explaining gift opportunities.
- Work directly with planned giving prospects in their efforts to name HCCF as a beneficiary of a variety of planned giving mechanisms.
- Manage and update portfolio through database management (Raiser’s Edge NXT)
Donor Relations/Stewardship/ Recognition
- Plan and implement recognition for donors, including writing thank you letters, making personal calls, arranging meetings, and hosting events in collaboration with your colleagues.
- Plan and implement ongoing communication and stewardship with donors.
Campus Relations
- Communicate, problem solve, and anticipate needs of campus staff and serve as liaison between HCCF, campus staff, and the donor.
- Collaborate with HCCF staff to prepare data/reports to meet needs of donors and campus staff.
Experience and Qualifications
- The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience;
- Ability to work independently, in addition to as a member of an effective development team;
- Ability to interact with a variety of constituencies, including Board members, donors, staff, alumni, and students;
- Strong development database experience (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred) and analytical skills;
- Commitment to the mission of the Foundation and College.
The Highland Community College Foundation is committed to provide our employees with an environment that is inspiring, creative and respectful. We offer competitive pay and an excellent benefits program.
To apply for the position, please visit our website at: www.highland.edu/employment. Application is not complete until the following materials are submitted: online application, a cover letter, resume, graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for the purpose of application), and three current professional reference letters. For an alternate application method, please contact Human Resources at 815-599-3426. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Highland Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, and encourages applications from veterans, minorities, people with disabilities and other diverse groups.