The Director of Strategic Partnerships brings a passion for our mission and solid fundraising experience to help reach our goals. In this position, you'll work with an international team of staff, trustees, and advocates to identify, cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and steward gifts, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 or more. Most of your time will be focused on gifts from individuals; however, the position may also include interaction with corporate and foundation entities.

Ideal candidates will be able to effectively operate in a high-volume, digital environment. They will be resilient, adaptable, and highly motivated by our mission. They'd be described as an ultra-organized taskmaster who can think strategically and execute operationally; deftly balancing independent work and team collaboration to reach the best outcomes.

Among other things, you'll be responsible for the following in this role:

Effectively represent Ashesi to globally minded individuals, foundations, and corporations who have an interest in cultivating ethical, entrepreneurial leaders who will be catalysts for systemic social and economic change in Africa.
Manage a diverse portfolio of 100 major gift prospects while consistently closing major gifts and soliciting a minimum of 12 major gifts each year. Make at least 100 substantive contacts each year, the majority of those with prospects in their portfolio.
Proactively reach out through calls and emails to qualify / disqualify new prospects each year and implement a cultivation and solicitation strategy for each assigned prospect.
Partner with the AUF Vice President, Sr. Director of Strategic Partnerships, Director of Advancement Services, and others to identify engagement opportunities and develop gift strategies to engage a wide variety of diverse, global donors and move them through the donor commitment continuum to a gift conversation.
Prepare written proposals, informational materials, endowment agreements, gift illustrations and other materials needed to secure major gifts and support the work of AUF and Ashesi University.
Participate cooperatively in Ashesi's prospect management and tracking system.
Coordinate the participation of university administrators, academic leaders, volunteers, and advancement staff in major gift fundraising activities. In consultation with the AUF Vice President, establish personal goals, objectives, and strategies for major gift fundraising.
Collaborate with and support the Sr. Director of Strategic Partnerships and foundation team on projects to develop, cultivate and engage the Ashesi community.

Additional responsibilities may include one or more of the following:

As a member of the Strategic Partnerships team, support the AUF Vice President, Ashesi University President, and volunteer board members in their advancement efforts on behalf of the University.
Represent Ashesi University at conferences and events.
Support award nominations for campus leadership and faculty.
Participate in major gift fundraising training opportunities for advancement staff, academic leaders and volunteers.

Ideal Qualifications We Seek In a Candidate

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience, with proven track record in individual, corporate, and foundation major gift fundraising. Experience working in advancement in a higher education setting preferred.
Deep commitment to Ashesi's mission of educating ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in Africa.
Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong professional relationships across cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to effectively convey information orally and in writing in a clear, succinct way and in a variety of communication settings and styles.
Strong working knowledge of donor database programs; Salesforce preferred.
Technically savvy, with strong working knowledge of Zoom, Microsoft Office suite and ability to quickly learn and utilize systems.

Important Information About This Position

Ashesi University Foundation is in Seattle, WA where this position is based. The pay range for this role is $83,000 - $92,000 and is applicable to the Seattle market. New hires are typically paid in the lower end of the range, with opportunities for pay advancement over time. We use geographic differentials to determine pay in all locations outside of Seattle, WA.
Hybrid is preferred, however highly qualified candidates outside of the Seattle area will be considered for remote work arrangements. Ashesi University Foundation graduates are encouraged to apply regardless of location and even if outside the United States. Ghana-based pay rates are 50 - 60% of Seattle's pay rate.
This position requires the ability to occasionally travel nationally and internationally to Sub-Saharan Africa.
The ability to occasionally work outside of US-standard working hours to accommodate global partners is necessary.
US based employee are offered medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with employer match. New hires receive 10 days of paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, 1 paid personal day, and paid sick leave. Non-US employees are offered benefits relevant to their location.

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BA/BS/Undergraduate

Ashesi University Foundation

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Director of Strategic Partnerships