Director of Development & PR Specialist

Salary: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Job Summary:
Working in close collaboration with the College President and the Foundation Board of Directors, the Director of Development & PR specialist will design, develop, and execute a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy to support the college's mission and goals, which includes seeking grants and endowments from individual donors, corporations, and private foundations. The Director provides leadership to the Foundation, directs major fund-raising events and other activities, and works in conjunction with members of the President’s Cabinet to advance the goals of the College. The Director administers a comprehensive grant development program that includes grant research and vetting, coordination among internal and external stakeholders, proposal development, and grant writing in pursuit of public and private funding sources on behalf of the College. Maintains visibility at industry and community events, building relationships with influencers who can provide or connect to resources to support College initiatives. Working closely with Marketing, the Director of Development & PR Specialist will help develop public relations strategies and implement the corresponding tactics—including events, social media, internal and external communication, community outreach, and media relations—that build and maintain Southwest Tech’s favorable image with the public.

Essential Functions:

1. In coordination with the Foundation Board of Directors, manage, develop, and implement fundraising strategies for major gifting, planned giving, annual giving, private and public grants, employee giving, and donor recognition activities.
2. Supports the Foundation Board by providing leadership, vision, and organization for all Foundation-related activities, including preparation of annual goals, timetables, budgets, and annual reports. 
3. Provide timely and accurate reporting of fundraising results.
4. Participate in major industry and community events to build relationships and discover potential funding opportunities.
5. Collaborate with Academics, Student Services, the Business and Innovation Center, and other College Departments to identify funding needs.
6. Maintain active engagement and leadership with fundraising organizations.
7. Develop strategies and initiatives that increase and expand donor engagement and funding sources.
8. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and constituent groups, both externally and internally, including with the Foundation Board of Directors, the College Board of Directors, donors, faculty, and staff to maximize fundraising results.
9. Prepare for and attend meetings related to the Foundation Board, committees, and the College Board of Directors.
10. Serve as the college’s liaison to all grant funding agencies.
11. Implements tactics that promote community engagement.
12. Help maintain Southwest Tech's image and identity.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Develop a long-term funding plan that aligns with the College’s mission and strategic plan.
2. Evaluate College projects for desired funding; research and identify potential private, corporate, and government grant opportunities; and develop timelines and strategies to obtain project funding.
3. Develop grant applications for new and existing programs.
4. Communicate with directors and other staff on maintaining grant budgets and how to track and report grant expenditures. Ensure timelines are set for the spending of each grant. Assure institutional compliance with all grant conditions and certified assurances.
5. Keep abreast of changing grant standards, proposal practices, and guidelines.
6. Assure the development and proper expenditure of Foundation and grant budgets.
7. Coordinate with the financial aid team in the development, promotion, and expenditure of donor-restricted scholarship funds.
8. Coordinate with the Marketing Department to promote Foundation and grant programs.
9. Coordinate with the Fiscal and Training Division staff to ensure in-kind donations are received, and recorded, and donor documentation is sent according to policy.
10. Review and update policies related to donations annually.
11. Assure Foundation licenses and permits are renewed annually.
12. Coordinate with the Foundation team to develop and maintain an Alumni Association.
13. Write press releases and prepare information for the media.
14. Work with the President's office to coordinate the President’s outreach activities. Follow up on contacts made by the President to cultivate ongoing relationships.
15. Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
To perform at a proficient level and to be fully qualified, a person would be expected to have:
1. Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business, philanthropy, communications, or a related field.

2. Specialized Knowledge/Skills:

• Must possess excellent research, writing, verbal, interpersonal, computer, and organizational skills.
• Must have knowledge of local and state communities with existing relationships with industry and community leaders.
• Must be able to work independently and manage complex assignments with organizational skills and attention to detail.

3. Experience: A minimum of 3 years of proven experience working with private or public foundations and grant writing.
4. Background Check: Must be able to pass a background check.

Environmental Factors:
Conventional Educational Environment. In some programs, employees may occasionally be exposed to cleaning chemicals and the hazards associated with their respective industry equipment.

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees being assigned to this classification; they are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Southwest Technical College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodation for the interview or selection process should contact the College at least 48 hours before the accommodation is needed.