Belmont University · 1 day ago
Director of National Development
Nashville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
3+ years expBelmont University is seeking a qualified Director of National Development to manage a nationwide portfolio of major gift prospects. This role involves cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support while developing national fundraising strategies in collaboration with campus partners.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Portfolio Management: Strategically manage a nationwide portfolio of major gift prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic investment with full ownership of strategy, pacing, and outcomes. Build relationships with individuals interested in supporting programs and initiatives across Belmont’s campus, identifying meaningful opportunities for engagement and giving serving as the primary or secondary relationship manager for complex, high-capacity donors and families. Increase donor engagement to secure gifts at the $50,000–$500,000+ level, actively contributing to the development of future leadership and principal gift prospects. Conduct regular travel to meet donors and prospects in key regions across the United States with intentional planning aligned to portfolio strategy and campaign priorities. Communicate outcomes of donor visits and interactions with appropriate Advancement staff, providing clear strategic recommendations, next steps, and coordination across teams, emphasizing major donor identification and movement through the giving cycle. Actively participate in Advancement’s prospect management process to inspire trust, encourage creative collaboration, and strengthen philanthropic outcomes. Develop productive relationships with campus partners outside of Advancement to support donor, parent, student, and alumni engagement and to align institutional priorities with donor interests. Provide staffing support for campus events, internal committees, and other constituent activities that advance engagement and philanthropy
Prospecting: Review daily gift reports, LYBUNT/SYBUNT lists, and other data sources to identify potential major gift prospects for outreach. Collaborate with prospect management and research teams to evaluate unassigned individuals with major giving capacity and prepare them for portfolio assignment while contributing insight into national prospect strategy and segmentation
Goals and Metrics: In collaboration with the AVP for Development (Colleges and Units), establish annual goals and objectives for portfolio-based fundraising outcomes with accountability for performance, forecasting accuracy, and progress toward campaign goals
Qualification
Required
Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, relate and compare data from different sources, and identify alternative solutions
Critical Thinking: Interprets and seeks information, uses independent reasoning to diagnose the root cause of situations or issues, identifies and tests solutions and thinks beyond what is typical or customary. Uses information to determine benefits and impact in making decision and/or recommendations
Project/Program/Service Management: Ability to coordinate and administer programs/project activities and protocols. Ability to manage resources, monitor activities, and assess risks and quality issues associated with the program/project
Written and Oral Communications: Ability to present information to individuals or groups; ability to deliver presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience. Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals either verbally or in writing to ensure that they understand the information and the message. Ability to listen and respond appropriately to others. Ability to impact and influence others to further the institution's strategic objectives
Technical, Computer, and Software Skills: Ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and basic databases and software
Experience working in a fast-paced environment and the ability to respond to high-pressure situations. Ability to thrive in an environment of hard work
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
Bachelor's degree is required. Rigorous and relevant coursework with moderate experience may substitute for required education
3 years experience in development, alumni relations, or related field is required, preferably in higher education
Preferred
4-6 years experience is preferred
Company
Belmont University
Belmont University is a private, coeducational, liberal arts university located in Nashville, Tennessee.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Sarah D. Cates
Vice President for Imagination, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
Cate McLeane
Director of External Partnerships and Strategic Communications, Belmont Innovation Labs
Recent News
2025-11-11
2025-11-04
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