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The Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF) seeks an innovative, collaborative, and accomplished leader committed to excellence and equity to serve as Senior Director of Major Gifts. This is an outstanding opportunity for a talented and successful major gift fundraiser to join a dynamic, team-oriented, development office and assume an important leadership role in the Foundation’s fundraising program while increasing major gift contributions through personal outreach.   Reporting to the Lock Haven University Foundation Executive Director, the Senior Director cultivates, solicits, and stewards principal and major gift donors and new prospects. S/he will supervise all major gift officers and work collaboratively with all Foundation, Advancement, and University partners.

Lock Haven University enrolls 2,920 total students, of which 2,466 are undergraduates and 454 are graduate students, with 93% from the state of Pennsylvania.  The Clearfield campus has 173 enrolled students.  LHU is a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. In July, 2022 Lock Haven University integrated with Bloomsburg and Mansfield Universities to form Commonwealth University. Offering multiple unique locations and campuses, Commonwealth University is building on the strong histories and traditions of each institution and maintaining their identities as Bald Eagles, Huskies, and Mounties. Over 34,000 LHU alumni live in every state and work in a wide variety of professions. Students at Lock Haven University may participate in 21 intercollegiate athletic programs including NCAA Division I field hockey and wrestling. All other sports compete at the NCAA Division II level and within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Primary duties and responsibilities for the new Senior Director include:

• Managing a portfolio of principal, major and planned giving prospects with gift capacity of $25,000 or greater, with a focus on closing six, seven, and eight-figure gifts.
• Designing and implementing a cultivation and stewardship plan to include solicitation activities for each prospect with the help of the engagement team.
• Partnering with University leadership including the President, Deans, faculty, Athletic Director and coaches in providing guidance on developing case statements and plans to cultivate and steward major and planned giving prospects.
• Conducting a minimum of 12 quality prospect visits per month.
• Actively participating, and leading when appropriate, fundraising campaigns and initiatives, including efforts to raise immediate use dollars.
• Coordinating the involvement of appropriate board, volunteer, faculty or staff members in the planning of cultivation and solicitation strategies, as appropriate.
• Supervising and mentoring all Foundation gift officers.
• Preparing proposals and presentations for donor prospects, and solicitation of gifts.
• Participate in University and Foundation events and serve on committees as needed.

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and five years of experience in conducting successful personal solicitations for major gift fundraising.  S/he should have demonstrated competence in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups and excellent organizational and planning, listening, diplomacy, and negotiation skills. The position requires a high level of energy, ambition, and orientation toward discussing contributions with donors including traveling to their locations.  Excellent computer skills using Microsoft software (Word and Excel) and institutional data base (Raiser’s Edge) are needed, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The Senior Director should demonstrate leadership skills, including a strong work ethic. Knowledge, understanding and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community is also very important.  A demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituencies, including flexibility with the ability to juggle fluctuating priorities and produce a reliable work product is needed.  Experience in planned giving programs is preferred.

Applications should include a detailed letter of interest addressing the leadership agenda and qualifications as outlined in the position profile; a full resume with relevant administrative responsibilities and accomplishments; and a list of three professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission. Application materials, nominations, and expressions of interest should be submitted to the LHU Foundation, email@lhufoundation.org

Those who are considering applying are encouraged to schedule a confidential conversation with the senior consultant for this search, Ms. Kate Nolde, at kate.nolde@academicsearch.org prior to applying.

Although applications will be reviewed until the position is filled, to ensure full consideration by the Search Committee, application materials should be received by February 24, 2023.