Posted on August 23, 2012

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Senior Leadership Giving Officer

As you consider this unique opportunity, do more than “google” RISD (Rhode Island School of Design). Take a look at some of the recent press on Providence, read about the STEM to STEAM initiative (STEM to STEAM is a RISD-led initiative to add Art and Design to the national agenda of STEM -Science, Technology, Engineering, Math -education and research in America), and get to know RISD’s extraordinary President, John Maeda.

The mission of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is to educate its students and the public in the creation and appreciation of works of art and design, to discover and transmit knowledge and to make lasting contributions to a global society through critical thinking, scholarship and innovation. From its incorporation on March 22, 1877, Rhode Island School of Design has stood out as a leader in art and design education, attracting extraordinary people who thrive in its creative culture. As one of the first colleges of its kind in the country – founded simultaneously with the RISD Museum of Art – it has always been something of a maverick.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development Strategic Initiatives within the Institutional Engagement Division, this is a dynamic opportunity for a seasoned advancement professional who has the ability to cultivate and build relationships with donors for the purposes of identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts to the College in amounts of $25,000 and above.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of key individual prospects through visiting and other means. Tasked with overseeing and/or personally executing solicitation and closing of gifts.
• Coordinate university major gifts activity within an assigned geographic region of the United States and be responsible for personal engagement and solicitation of key capital gifts prospects.
• Become, and stay well versed on, the mission and projects of RISD and for the prospects in the assigned region.
• Help coordinate regional work of deans, administrators and faculty working with prospects within assigned area.. Develop and execute prospect strategies. Facilitate interaction between key alumni and faculty members; strategize and coordinate closely with Institutional Engagement team colleagues and other campus departments.
• Design, coordinate and execute cultivation programs to build and maintain long-standing relationships to RISD. Tasks may include event program development and/or fundraising volunteer committee management.
• Assist in maintenance of electronic donor records, with particular emphasis on building an active prospect portfolio including current status, individual meeting notes, and ratings according to potential.
• Prepare correspondence for donors as a follow-up to personal visits and provide gift proposals to leadership giving prospects.
• Other duties as assigned, including working Alumni and Parents’ Weekend.

Professional Qualifications

• A minimum of five years development experience, preferably within a higher education institution. Successful track record of individual capital solicitations.
• Bachelor's degree required. Masters degree preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education is acceptable.
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• Proven successful and experienced professional with thorough knowledge of institutional development and familiarity with modern university capital gift techniques.
• Able to communicate ideas and plans well, both verbally and in writing. Must be articulate and have excellent communication skills including poise and confidence required for working with potentially large benefactors to RISD.
• Demonstrated ability working with a groups of diverse personalities and constituencies.
• Flexible, with the ability to refine strategies after feedback from key stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational abilities with ability to meet deadlines. Ability to multi-task and prioritize amid multiple, competing deadlines.
• Proven ability to work both independently and seamlessly as a member of a team.add space here please
• Strong personal commitment to higher education and its advancement through professional development.
• The Senior Leadership Giving Officer should expect to travel at least 50% of the time visiting with current and potential donors.
• Familiarity with fundraising software systems a plus.
• Must be attentive to detail and have the ability to work effectively with limited supervision.

Application Instructions

Nominations, inquiries, and indications of interest should be directed via email to our executive search partner:

Diane Shea
Cross Hill Partners, LLC

dshea@crosshillpartners.com