Director, Major Giving

Organization

Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration. Learn more about the Bush Center at bushcenter.org.

Essential Responsibilities

The Director, Major Giving is responsible for the strategy development and execution of individual fundraising efforts for the Bush Center. The Director will oversee the Regional Fundraising Team and will be responsible for a portfolio of major donors and prospects predominantly in the Dallas Fort Worth area with the goal of meaningful, sustained, and active financial support of the programs of the Bush Center. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Donor Relations

• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects predominantly in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors whose interests and priorities align with the fundraising needs of the Bush Center and Bush Institute programs.
• Review, update, and refresh his/her portfolio as appropriate.
• Oversee donor involvement leading up to events to ensure flawless delivery.
• Coordinate personalized opportunities for donors to meet with Bush Center leadership and other various stewardship activities for donors.
• Record relevant contacts with donors and prospects and related development activities in the Bush Center's database.
• Design and implement creative strategies to position program benefits and structure funding arrangements based on donor needs.

Strategic Planning and Team Management

• Manage the Regional Fundraising Team and provide strategy development and oversight for the individual fundraising efforts and goals.
• Oversee Regional Fundraising Team personnel-related items including hiring, performance management, staff training and development.
• Foster and contribute to overall Development team culture.

Communication

• Effectively communicate the mission and program details of the Bush Center and the Bush Institute to donors and prospects.
• Work collaboratively with Development, Communications, and Finance & Operations teams to ensure accurate and timely:
  • Submission of proposals and requests.
  • Production of meeting materials and interest letters.
  • Acknowledgment of contributions.
  • Reporting requirements as needed.
• Facilitate communications regarding funding opportunities with donors and prospects.
• Work closely with Bush Center program directors and managers to stay current on goals, programs, and outcomes of each program.
• Complete other tasks as needed and/or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The qualified candidate will possess (a/an):

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of fundraising experience in a professional and/or nonprofit environment.
• Strong existing professional networks with individual prospects.
• Computer and technological literacy; experience with Raiser's Edge, or comparable fundraising database, is preferred.
• The ability to travel as necessary.
• Commitment to the vision and mission of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate superb communication and collaborative skills to work effectively in a dynamic organizational environment.
• Evidence prompt, professional interaction with high level internal and external customers.
• Provide a proven track-record of highly driven, results-oriented work ethic.
• Evidence a make-it-happen spirit and a collaborative team style.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit stationary at a desk and use computer equipment.

Position: Director, Major Giving

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Vice President, Development

Department: Development

Division: Donor Relations