Director of Development

Ripon College is seeking applications for a Director of Development. The incoming Director will join a high-performing Advancement team in the midst of the silent phase of the College’s next comprehensive campaign. This is an incredible mid-level career opportunity for a passionate, competitive and collaborative fundraiser who enjoys a flexible yet high-performing workplace culture.

Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director of Development will be responsible for cultivating a pool of alumni and friends of the College in primary developed territories with substantial capacity, through approximately 100 visits with prospects who have the potential and desire to support philanthropic initiatives in the $25,000+ range.

Candidates should exhibit an appreciation for the liberal arts, possess solid oral, written and interpersonal skills, and have a proven track record in building long-term relationships and personally cultivating, soliciting and closing major gifts. They must model and embody a personal values system that promotes and celebrates a collaborative workplace climate that recognizes and rewards diversity, equity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding of relational fundraising and ability to persuasively articulate needs and goals that motivate potential donors to make substantial financial commitment to the College.

Candidates must possess outstanding critical thinking skills as well as the ability to analyze and interpret complex business and financial data and philanthropic information. A bachelor degree is required, with at least three years of increasingly responsible experience in institutional advancement, fundraising in higher education, or relatable experience.

This position has the potential to be served in a hybrid or fully remote work environment.

At Ripon College, the health and safety of our employees, students and contractors is our number one priority. Upon hire, please plan on either showing proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID 19 (currently one dose of the Johnson and Johnson or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and a booster vaccine) or plan on being part of weekly (every seven days) COVID-19 surveillance testing, with a negative result should community spread levels deem it necessary. At this time, masks are optional on campus.

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume and at least three professional references addressed to Shawn Karsten, Vice President for Advancement, Marketing and Communications and emailed to [email protected]. The cover letter should outline how your background matches the responsibilities of this position. To request a full job description please email [email protected].

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

EOE