The Assistant Director of Development, reporting to the cohort lead, plays a critical role in LSU’s effort to grow our comprehensive gift pipeline by retaining and upgrading mid-level donors ($500-$24,999). This transformational role involves both traditional and non-traditional aspects of fundraising, serving as an innovative model for engaging with mid-level donors while recognizing and maximizing their philanthropic potential. This position involves delivering a personal touch with every engagement, providing concierge service to donors and prospective donors and build stronger connections in the pursuit of new major gifts for Louisiana State University.

Essential Responsibilities 

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 300-400 donors and prospects with expected annual giving capacity in the $500- $24,999 range. 
• Execute thoughtful, personalized outreach via phone, mail, email, and visits when appropriate, with a focus on building enduring relationships that deepen engagement and long-term philanthropic commitment. 
• Develop, prioritize, and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that reflect a relationship-first approach. 
• Move donors along the continuum in a way that honors their interests and motivations, while consistently and appropriately recording all donor contacts in LSU’s donor database. 
• Interact and collaborate with colleagues and fellow team members on a regular basis.

Non-essential/marginal position responsibilities

•  Attend team meetings
• Attend unit events and programs to develop a deep knowledge of the units’ programs, people, and fundraising priorities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required level/type of experience and/or years of experience

• Experience in an environment that required strong phone skills, for example: warm tone, good speaking cadence, clear and articulate speech

Preferred level/type of experience and/or years of experience

• Experience in higher education or philanthropic environment
• Possess in-depth knowledge about donor databases
• Experience cultivating, solicitating, and/or stewarding donors

Preferred abilities

• Excellent communication skills in-person, through written correspondence and with presentation of synthesized data.
• Demonstrate professionalism, perseverance, optimism, and a positive attitude when working with donors and colleagues
• Ability to balance multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
• Ability to be flexible and agile with programmatic changes

Required education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Desired competencies

Collaboration: Works collegially with others, cooperating in both interpersonal and team relationships; fosters enthusiasm and maintains mutual trust, candor, and respect.

Critical Thinking: Practices objective rather than subjective modes of reasoning and action. Maintains perspective when assessing qualitative and quantitative information. Appropriately challenges and questions common beliefs.

Tenacity: Achieves a desired outcome in the face of setbacks, obstacles, or challenging circumstances.

Professionalism: Thinks carefully about the likely effects on others of one’s words, actions, appearance, and mode of behavior.

Work Environment Requirements

• May be required to work extended workdays, evenings, and weekends to meet deadlines