Director – Development Initiatives

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The University of Miami, Division of Development and Alumni Relations, has an exciting opportunity for a Director, Development Initiatives within the area of Sylvester Development in collaboration with the Medical Development team to work in Miami, FL.

The Director, Development Initiatives collaborates with Sylvester Development and Medical Development leadership teams in pursuing the overall vision and mission of the strategic plan for the division. Supports the key initiatives set forth by the Assistant Vice President, Sylvester Development to facilitate the growth and development of programs, projects and campaigns led by Development and Alumni Relations. The incumbent in this position seeks to support the strategic initiatives by evaluating, planning, implementing, and reporting on key initiatives. The Director, Development Initiatives supports Sylvester Development events, strategies, and projects ensuring the successful development, completion, and implementation of fundraising, campaign, projects, and initiatives.

Department Specific Functions:

• Coordinate and staff events designed to cultivate and steward Sylvester’s donor groups including but not limited to press conferences regarding major gift announcements, groundbreaking ceremonies, donor cultivation and recognition events, campus-wide events, symposia, dedications, luncheons, dinners, galas, board meetings and various events as necessary.
• Prepare, monitor, and control event budgets and negotiate all necessary contracts for individual events, anticipating costs of production, technical, and promotional needs.
• Research, select, and negotiate with third party vendors for work related to events, initiatives, or campaign.
• Prepare outlines, agendas, and briefing materials for all events.  Produce correspondence regarding pre- and post-event activities.
• Serve as a liaison for internal and external contacts related to events, initiatives, and campaign implementation.
• Provide support to strategic enterprise events and/or other University Development events as needed.
• Work with teams to develop estimates, budgets, and timelines. Establish comprehensive project plans and timelines, identifies accountable parties. Seek stakeholder input and support. Review regularly with leadership and staff impacted by project activities.
• Orchestrate the implementation of strategic priorities in alignment with the Sylvester Development and Medical Development leadership team.
• Work with Assistant Vice President on initiatives and other campaign projects.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining inventory of Sylvester capital naming opportunities including the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building and existing Sylvester spaces.
• Work with facilities to ensure donor recognition projects are completed in a timely manner, including collaborating with gift officers on approval of plaques, lettering, and other naming opportunities.  
• Establish and document comprehensive project plans and timelines, identify and sequence the activities needed to successfully complete projects.
• Monitor the progress of initiatives and projects and adjust to ensure successful completion.
• Consult with the appropriate leadership on the selection of staff to assist with projects. Assign project task to the identified project team for handling.
• Ensure appropriate orientation and training is provided to employees assigned to each project.
• Review the quality of work completed within the project team on a regular basis to ensure that work produced meets project standards.
• Document and archive all project-related activities and ensure project files are maintained and secured accordingly.
• Partner with leaders working on initiatives and campaigns in managing and prioritizing workloads.
• Create a communication strategy, ensuring stakeholders at all levels of the organization are informed on the progress of projects.
• Collaborate with leaders regularly to effectively communicate updates; prepare presentations and presents status reports for leadership.
• Identify issues that may impact the success of an initiative or project, conduct analyses, and present recommendations for adjustments or recalibration of goals.
• Manage and communicate changes to initiative or project scope, schedule, and costs; offer solutions when necessary.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of initiatives and projects, identify opportunities and barriers, share key learnings, and recommend improvements to apply to future projects. 
• Ensure that work is being accomplished and completed in compliance with University of Miami policies and procedures.
• Lead and direct team members in their accountability and achievement of their strategic initiatives.
• Work cross-functionally and interface with all levels of the organization to implement the strategic initiatives.
• Ensure internal control oversight and compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding of assets, compliance with University policies and procedures, reliability of internal and external reporting, and efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Create an effective control environment, conduct risk assessment, implement, and monitor controls.

Additional Duties:

• Participate and attend evening and/or weekend events and activities, as needed, in support of the mission of the University and Division of Development and Alumni Relations.
• Attend meetings and appropriate training sessions for the Division of Development & Alumni Relations.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Core Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and collaborative team player with proven ability to motivate, engage and work with prospects, donors, volunteers and senior staff or similar constituencies, preferably in academic medical centers.  Additionally, this role requires excellent organizational and communication skills.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in Development, major gift fundraising, or fundraising management, preferably in higher education or health care. Outstanding oral and written communication skills are necessary along with the ability to be highly organized, creative, energetic, and assertive and exhibit the independent judgment and personal integrity. A team-oriented approach to colleagues and proven ability to manage people in a positive and constructive environment are essential.

Also, the ideal candidate will possess the following skills, abilities, and competencies:

• Comprehensive understanding of event planning, coordination, and execution
• Proven ability to motivate, engage and work with volunteers, prospects, donors and senior staff or similar constituencies.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, while setting and achieving established goals.
• Capable of independently setting priorities and managing expectations of senior leaders.
• Comprehensive understanding of event planning, coordination, and execution.
• Experience writing materials and briefings for donors and staff, as well as a sophisticated sense of volunteer engagement tactics.
• Excellent project management skills and exceptional communications skills.
• Possess integrity and a strong sense of professional ethics.
• Ability to work effectively in a large, complex, dynamic and matrix organization.

Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.

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The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff