DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

The Director of Advancement provides leadership for the College’s fundraising and advancement efforts by developing and implementing strategies to secure philanthropic support. The Director builds and strengthens relationships with donors, alumni, community and business leaders, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and advance the College’s priorities. The position leads major gifts, planned giving, and other fundraising initiatives that generate support for student scholarships, capital needs, academic and program support, and other emerging or unbudgeted needs of the College.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in any combination of:
  • Fundraising or advancement (e.g., securing gifts, developing fundraising strategies, managing campaigns, etc.).
  • Donor relations and community engagement (e.g., developing relationships with donors, alumni, business leaders, foundations, or community partners, etc.).
  • Development and special events (e.g., planning fundraising events, campaigns, donor activities, or community events, etc.).
  • Marketing or communications (e.g., promoting programs, developing outreach strategies, managing events, or engaging target audiences, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license.

• Lead fundraising efforts to support the College’s needs, including scholarships, programs, capital projects, and unbudgeted needs.
• Secure major gifts and other donations with current and prospective donors, and ensure proper stewardship of gifts and funded projects.
• Develop and implement fundraising programs, campaigns, and special events to expand philanthropic support and meet or exceed annual fundraising goals established by the College President.
• Work with donors and trustees to develop planned giving opportunities, including estate and retirement gifts, to provide long-term financial support for the College.

• Maintain a visible presence throughout the College’s service region by promoting the College, its programs and accomplishments, and its fundraising priorities, and by representing the College at community and fundraising events.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, business and community leaders, trustees, foundations, and other supporters to increase awareness of and support for the College.
• Work with the Cleveland State Foundation and its trustees to support fundraising the College’s fundraising efforts and coordinate Foundation activities in consultation with the College President.

• Work with the College President, Vice Presidents, and Deans to identify capital needs and establish advancement priorities aligned with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with College leadership and internal and external stakeholders to align advancement efforts with institutional priorities and maximize philanthropic opportunities.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Advancement Coordinator in support of fundraising, donor relations, special events, and other advancement activities.
• Monitor advancement activities and fundraising results and provide regular updates to the College President and appropriate stakeholders.

• The Director of Advancement will be required to meet standards now required or which may be required by TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents) and SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
• May be required to achieve additional skills, knowledge, or credential levels.
• Must attend all college functions as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

• →Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, attentive to detail, and manage stressful situations.
• →Possess strong interpersonal communication skills and maintain focus with job responsibilities.
• →Ability to work with a broad group of individuals both on campus and in the community.
• →Proficient oral and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• →Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• →Knowledge of fundraising practices, including major gifts, planned giving, donor relations, and stewardship.
• →Ability to develop and implement fundraising programs and meet established fundraising goals.
• →Ability to build strong relationships with donors, alumni, community and business leaders, trustees, and other stakeholders.
• →Preferred Experience:
• →Higher education fundraising, advancement, or development.

Work activities routinely involve the use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and other related devices. Employees are expected to perform tasks such as data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation using these tools.

This on-site position is based in the Advancement Office located in the D.F. Adkisson Administration Building on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. The role may involve travel across the college’s five-county region, as well as occasional travel to state meetings, conferences, and professional events. Additional travel within the service region for meetings, outreach, and program-related activities may also be expected.

__________________________________________________________________________________________