The Director of Leadership Giving (Full-time, Benefit Eligible) reports to the CEO and is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive program to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual major gift prospects in support of the Foundation’s strategic priorities. This position manages a personal portfolio of donors and serves as a key ambassador for MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni, effectively representing its mission to a wide range of constituencies and stakeholders. The role includes leading targeted enhanced-level philanthropy initiatives and cultivating donors whose investments support significant opportunities for the University. In collaboration with senior leadership, the Director of Leadership Giving also organizes and advances campaign priorities by aligning donor interests with institutional need and fostering meaningful engagement among University partners and community stakeholders to secure transformational gifts that advance the Foundation’s mission and long-term strategic plan. Primary responsibilities and relationships with other people in the institution are outlined below.
 

• Conduct research to identify major gift prospects by analyzing financial capability, business and organizational affiliations, personal interests, existing and past connections to the institution, close friends and advisors, and charitable giving history to other causes.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to design and implement tailored strategies that cultivate transformational gifts, with a focus on major and leadership-level giving.
• Manage a personal portfolio of 75-100 major donors/prospects which includes the identification, solicitation and stewardship of portfolio members.
• Stewards an advanced relationship portfolio that requires customized engagement strategies and greater depth of cultivation.
• Ensure integration of all fundraising channels into a cohesive donor experience.
• Develop and implement a prospect strategy with a particular focus on developing alumni, parents into long-term supporters.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality stewardship practices across all donor segments.
• Launch and grow a planned giving/legacy program to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Advances campaign priorities by developing and implementing strategies that align donor interests with institutional goals and inspire significant philanthropic investment.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define, communicate and advance campaign priorities that drive fundraising success and long-term strategic impact.
• Provide insights on emerging major gift opportunities tied to University’s priorities and capital projects.

• In partnership with the Development Team, engages, and strategically involves the Board Directors, Chancellor, Deans, senior academic leadership, University staff and key volunteers, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with marketing team to develop high-impact donor materials and engagement experiences.
• Collaborate with Data Management Specialist to utilize analytics from Raiser’s Edge to build strategy, forecast results, and evaluate progress.
• Assist in the implementation of an effective Planned Giving Program, including marketing, budgeting, goal setting and strategy.
• Participate in monthly donor prospect strategy meetings with the Prospect Management Team to keep attention focused on the progress of donations.
• Maintain a timetable, checklist and reporting system within Prospect Management Team for each prospect, what the last action was what is the next step.
• Willing and able to travel as needed for cultivation of major donors according to the Development Team’s strategic plan to achieve the Foundation’s fundraising, financial goals and other objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Principal Giving.
• Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum two years’ experience and skill in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding within an advancement organization. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated record of making direct solicitations and securing major gifts.
• A background in fundraising, including donor relationship management, campaign support, and/or philanthropic program oversight highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills to track moves management, document donor engagement history, and implement next steps while advancing a personal portfolio of donors.
• Exhibits a confident ability to build rapport and network with leadership-level donors.
• Possesses knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving, personal assets and estate planning, preferred.
• Maintains a strong commitment to organizational protocols while ensuring compliance with ethical fundraising principles.
• Demonstrated interest in all aspects of higher education and possesses a dedication in promoting the University’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent working relationships with Foundation staff, University personnel, Board Directors and other external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with donor management systems, preferred (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Possesses excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills
• Represents the MSUB Foundation & Alumni and University in a professional, positive, informed and persuasive manner.
• Maintains the Foundation’s reputation for integrity, responsibility, caring and prudent management of gifts.
• Exercises good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Efficient time management and appropriate prioritization of duties.
• Willingness to perform a range of duties and travel as required.