Advancement Officer
- Staff, full-time (32+ hours per week)
Title: Advancement Officer
Position Number: 999016
Unit/Department: Law
FTE: 100%
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
Department Summary:
The Drake University Law School is the premiere private law school in Iowa and one of the Nation's top law schools. The Law School blends a rich heritage with innovative technology and forward-thinking curriculum, including the nation’s only First=Yeat Trial Practicum. Located in the heart of Des Moines, our law school offers an unmatched educational experience through cutting-edge facilities, a top-tier legal clinic, and robust connections with the legal community.
Since it’s founding in 1865 by Iowa Supreme Court Justices George Wright and Chester Cole, Drake Law School has stood among the 25 oldest law schools in the country. Our founders envisioned a place where students could witness the law in action, fostering a tradition of real-world, practical experience that we continue to uphold today. Now is an exciting time to join the Law School as it begins a new chapter and innovative vision for the future. www.drake.edu/law
Job Summary:
Are you ready to inspire change and make significant impact? Drake Law School is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Advancement Officer to spearhead our fundraising efforts. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for leading the Law School's development efforts, cultivating meaningful relationships with alumni, and inspiring them to support our esteemed institution through major philanthropic contributions.
Reporting directly to the Dean, you will oversee all aspects of fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving and alumni engagement and events. You will oversee a portfolio of approximately 125-150 major gift prospects, driving forward our mission through strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
You will also play a key role in alumni engagement, working closely with leadership groups, student organizations, and coordinating alumni events. By collaborating with the Dean, the Vice President for University Advancement, and the University Development office, you will help achieve our ambitious goals and drive positive change. Drake University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage all aspects of the law school's development strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, and alumni engagement.
* Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects capable of making significant contributions exceeding $50,000.
* Develop and implement strategies to increase annual fund contributions, engaging alumni, parents, and friends of the law school.
*Support alumni engagement activities, including class reunions, the Golden Gavel Society, and special events.
* Collaborate with the Dean, the Vice President for University Advancement, and the University Development office to align development efforts with the law school's strategic priorities.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners to foster a culture of philanthropy and support.
*Serve as a senior advisor to the visionary law dean who is eager to partner with and be shaped by you, prioritizing fundraising as part of a bold and transformational agenda.
* Lead all fundraising effort for the Law School during a time of tremendous growth and opportunity, contributing to the school's expanding national presence and being instrumental in these foundational efforts.
Minimum Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree
* At least two years of successful fundraising experience in a nonprofit or higher education setting
* A relationship-driven individual with exceptional interpersonal skills
* Outstanding written and oral communication abilities.
* Strong organizational skills and a collaborative spirit.
* Ability to work independently, managing multiple tasks with high energy, motivation, and determination
* High degree of personal integrity and solid attendance record
* Willingness to travel frequently and work evenings and weekends as needed
* A relationship-driven individual with exceptional interpersonal skills
Job Duties:
- 60% - Work closely with the Dean of the Law School and Director of Development to cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospects with a capacity to make an outright or deferred gift in excess of $50,000, whose interests are primarily in Drake University’s Law School and its academic programs or funding needs/opportunities.
- 40% - Develop annual fund prospects capable of making President’s Circle ($1000/year) annual gifts to the Law School through the engagement of existing and new, uncultivated alumni, parents and friends.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email susan.edwards@drake.edu .
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
