Assistant Director, Development Research

Company: Southern Methodist University
Location: Dallas
Posted on: March 19, 2023

Job Description:

Job Description - Assistant Director, Development Research (DEA00000348) Job Description Description Salary Range: - Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications About SMU SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools. Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body. DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Vice President, -Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, -Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development. SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fund-raising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact. About the Position: The Assistant Director sets and meets annual and long-term goals in support of the operational and strategic goals of DEA, optimizing fundraising success through the Development Research program. The Development Research program impacts the University's revenue production and influences the major and principal gift teams. The Assistant Director executes complex projects using project management principles; develops and implements prospect identification strategies; and provides prospect research, profile development, and fundraising strategy development in support of major and principal gift fundraising. The Assistant Director works strategically across service lines and in partnership with DEA colleagues to achieve university-wide goals. Essential Functions: Direct and implement a comprehensive Development Research program to maximize fundraising results. Manage the collection, analysis, interpretation and documentation of information on individuals, corporations and foundations, utilizing state of the art resources including web based searches, proprietary databases, electronic databases and other sources as appropriate. Lead the administrative and daily operations of the development research operation; organize departmental requests and deadlines. Represent the department on long-term and short-term research projects. Support Director in completion of administrative tasks, audits, and functions Recruit, train, manage and support a team of talented research professionals. Coach, mentor, and set priorities in a highly dynamic environment. Manage workflow of responsibilities and assignments. Guide staff through a personal and professional development plan, and onboard new employees through their training period. - Develop, refine, and document practices, processes, and standards for Development Research. In partnership with AD of Prospect Management, develop, refine, and document PD team standards and procedures. Develop and maintain relationships with third-party vendors, evaluating available tools and resources. Qualifications Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A minimum of five years of work experience in the non-profit or higher education sector in prospect research and management, resulting in the ability to review and analyze data, systems and procedures to support development initiatives. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing to clearly convey critical information and to communicate appropriately with executive leadership. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidate must possess strong project management skills, including the ability to define goal/objective of the initiative and the means to achieve the goal. A strong commitment to confidentiality and professionalism is required, as the person in this role will be called on to handle confidential information with discretion. Knowledge about and/or the ability to understand and articulate ethics as it is defined in the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) Statement of Ethics is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate strong time management, organizational and planning skills. Must be able to work independently on requests, manage workflow, respond to client needs, and meet multiple deadlines, as well as, collaborate on work with other team members. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and the ability to analyze and synthesize significant quantities of information and communicate the most critical and actionable data within.
- Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including advanced Microsoft Excel, and some relational database and/or constituent relationship management software. A working knowledge of and/or experience with Blackbaud Enterprise CRM preferred. A working knowledge of and/or experience with prospect research tools including Lexis Nexis for Development Professionals, iWave, WealthEngine, DonorSearch, etc. desired. Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time Deadline to Apply: The position is open until filled. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 1, 2022. EEO Statement: SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu . SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health -and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU -and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

Keywords: Southern Methodist University, Dallas , Assistant Director, Development Research, Executive , Dallas, Texas