Job Details

Development Director - Development

Position Number: 7043338
Location: Orem, UT
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Development Director - Development

Salary: $88,540.00 - $104,165.00 Annually
Job Type: FT Exempt Salaried Staff
Job Number: FY2605655
Closing: 4/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Location: 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Division: VP Institutional Advancement

Position Announcement

Utah Valley University's Institutional Advancement division is seeking an experienced fundraising professional to serve as the inaugural Director of Development for Academic Affairs. This role will lead comprehensive fundraising efforts across a diverse portfolio, including the Center for Constitutional Studies and the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy. The Director will be responsible for developing and managing donor relationships, creating and executing strategic fundraising initiatives, and driving measurable philanthropic outcomes. Key priorities include securing support for capital projects, programmatic initiatives, and student scholarships.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Director of Development is primarily responsible for driving philanthropic support through strategic fundraising and portfolio management. This includes developing and executing comprehensive development strategies for the college or unit, soliciting individual gifts through personalized outreach and campaigns, and identifying, qualifying, and cultivating prospective donors to build a strong pipeline. The Director manages donor portfolios by maintaining accurate records in the CRM system e.g., NXT, entering and updating Opportunities and Actions, and coordinating with Primary and Secondary Managers and Strategy Partners to ensure alignment of donor strategies. Additional responsibilities include drafting and managing Gift and Naming Agreements in collaboration with legal and finance teams and ensuring timely acknowledgment of all gifts. A critical component of this role is collaborating with the unit leader to inform, advance, and implement strategic advancement initiatives and fundraising priorities, including engaging advancement boards, supporting the execution of board-hosted meetings and events, and leveraging board relationships to identify new donor prospects and strengthen the portfolio.
Collaboration across campus and with alumni is essential to the success of this position. The Director works closely with unit leaders to develop and promote key initiatives, provides regular progress updates, and ensures alignment with institutional priorities. This includes understanding and supporting the needs of program directors, partnering with other development officers on joint proposals, and leveraging campus networks to identify new opportunities. The Director also plays a vital role in alumni engagement by cultivating relationships of key alumni with interest in the director's fundraising area, extending invitations for events, and encouraging philanthropic involvement. Additionally, the position coordinates messaging and content with university departments, facilitates personalized thank-you communications from unit leaders, and works with marketing teams to promote fundraising efforts through newsletters and social media.
The Director supports and organizes key fundraising events, including Wolverine Connection Meetings WCMs, and coordinates donor participation in campus and community events. Stewardship responsibilities include developing and distributing impact reports to demonstrate the value of donor contributions and ensuring timely acknowledgment of gifts. These efforts strengthen donor trust and foster long-term engagement with the institution.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field plus three years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling seven years.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in a related field.
Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising.
Knowledge of planned giving, endowment management, and gift agreements.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Valid Driver's License.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

Fundraising Principles: Comprehensive understanding of fundraising strategies, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
Higher Education Environment: Familiarity with the structure, priorities, and culture of academic institutions, including the role of advancement in supporting institutional goals.
CRM and Data Management: Knowledge of donor management systems (e.g., NXT), data integrity practices, and reporting tools to track and analyze fundraising performance.
Gift Agreements and Compliance: Understanding of legal, financial, and ethical considerations related to gift and naming agreements, as well as university policies and industry standards.
Marketing and Communications: Awareness of strategies for donor engagement through digital and print media, including newsletters, social media, and event promotion.
Event Planning: Knowledge of event logistics, donor engagement strategies, and best practices for hosting advancement boards and alumni gatherings.

Skills

Strategic Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability to design and implement comprehensive development strategies that drive giving success.
Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and sustain relationships with donors, alumni, board members, and campus partners.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals, presentations, and donor correspondence.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Analytical Proficiency: Skilled in using data and CRM systems (e.g., NXT) to track donor activity, measure outcomes, and inform strategy.
Collaboration: Adept at working across departments and teams to align development efforts with institutional priorities.
Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including donors, alumni, and academic leaders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations.

Abilities

Leadership and Influence: Ability to inspire confidence and motivate stakeholders toward shared fundraising goals.
Adaptability: Capacity to adjust strategies and priorities in response to changing institutional needs and donor interests.
Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement best practices.
Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive donor and institutional information with discretion and integrity.
Goal Orientation: Demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed fundraising targets through disciplined planning and execution.
Event Representation: Comfortable serving as an ambassador for the university at events, meetings, and donor engagements.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/5289692/development-director-development

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