Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Development and supported by a seasoned team of fundraising and administrative professionals, the Associate Director of Development for Leadership Giving is responsible for developing and managing long-term philanthropic relationships with alumni, parents, and community members to enhance connection and loyalty to the University and its mission through philanthropy. This position will focus on existing and new donors who give at the President’s Club and President’s Associates level, or $1,000 to $4,999. This position will work alongside major gift officers and annual giving staff to develop and implement key fundraising strategies, utilizing industry best practices, that result in increased revenue in multiple geographic areas containing friends and alumni of SUU.

Date of first consideration: 03/06/2026.

• Strategically manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200  prospects capable of making gifts of $1,000 to $4,999 annually. To achieve this, the Associate  Director of Development, Leadership Giving will understand the process of identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. Meet key performance metrics set during the annual metric-driven goal-setting process, including visits, proposals, solicitations, qualifications, and dollars raised. Document proposals and contact reports in the SUU’s database system and create an annual work plan.

• Located in the central Advancement Office, the Associate Director will also coordinate outreach and partner with Development Directors to transition annual donors into major donors. This position will also include appropriate DoDs in donor conversations for planned gifts. This position may also partner with academic leaders and campus partners, faculty, as well as other staff and external constituencies to achieve the fundraising priorities of the university.

• Work closely with Advancement leadership, campus partners, and other Advancement staff including Annual Giving to develop and execute an aggressive leadership fundraising program to solicit from alumni and friends of the university in key regional areas to meet the strategic priorities of the university.

• Participate in other duties and activities of a fast-paced donor-centric advancement team including annual giving, donor pipeline development, and stewardship events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated initiative and experience in relationship building with high-net-worth individuals or asking for major gifts through face-to-face solicitations.

• A sound knowledge of fundraising principles, ethics, and best practices in campaign planning and execution.

• The ability to represent the University with a high degree of professionalism and integrity.

• The ability to articulate a compelling case for support of the University and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships among faculty, staff, volunteers, and donors.

• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability and desire to work in a small team environment.Knowledge of constituent relationship management databases, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other campus software.

Position is contingent on funding.

Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.