Job Information
Drake University Advancement Officer - School of Law - 999016 in Des Moines, Iowa
Title: Advancement Officer - School of Law - 999016
Position Number: 999016
Unit/Department: Dean's Office Law
FTE: Full-time
About Drake University School of Law:
Drake Law School combines a rich history with the latest technology and an innovative curriculum, including the nation’s only First-Year Trial Practicum. As the only law school in the capital city of Des Moines, Drake Law School provides a unique educational and practical learning experience through modern facilities, a top-ranked legal clinic, and an exceptional relationship with the bench and bar.
Drake Law School was founded in Des Moines in 1865, which makes it one of the 25 oldest law schools in the country. The Law School was established by Iowa Supreme Court justices George Wright and Chester Cole, who aimed to teach law in proximity to the courts so students could witness the law in action.
From the very beginning, Drake Law School focused on real and practical experience. Today we continue to build on that tradition and provide opportunities for service, leadership, and the pursuit of rewarding careers. Learn more about the Law School at: https://www.drake.edu/law/ .
Job Summary:
The Advancement Officer serves as a major gifts officer for the Drake Law School and develops meaningful relationships with alumni who provide major philanthropic support for the Drake Law School. Reporting to the Dean of the Drake Law School, the Advancement Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 125-150 major gift prospects. Chief responsibilities include identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of these major gift prospects.
The Advancement Officer assists with the activities of alumni leadership groups, including the Drake Law School Board of Counselors, student law groups, as well as with law alumni events. The Advancement Officer works in collaboration with the Dean of the Law School, the Vice President for University Advancement, and the University Development office to achieve goals.
Drake University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.
Minimum Qualifications:
• A bachelor's degree
• Must have at least three years of successful annual giving and/or major gift fundraising experience, preferably in a higher education setting.
• The position requires an energetic, positive, self-starter with sophisticated interpersonal skills, the ability to listen effectively, and outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Must possess strong organizational skills, the ability to work collaboratively and strategically, and proficiency in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner and on deadline.
• Must be able to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously exhibiting high levels of energy, motivation, and determination.
• A high degree of personal integrity and solid attendance is essential. Consistent community immersion and engagement is expected.
• Frequent travel and some evening and weekend work are required.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Familiarity with the legal profession
Job Duties:
40% - 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. - (Essential)
40% - Develop annual fund prospects capable of making President’s Circle-level ($1000/year) annual gifts to the Law School through the engagement of existing and new, uncultivated alumni, parents and friends. - (Essential)
20% - Work on alumni engagement activities, including class reunions, Golden Gavel Society, and other special alumni events. - (Essential)
Salary & Benefits
The salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experiences of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide (Plan Year 2024) (https://www.drake.edu/hr/benefitsoverview/) .
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits (https://www.drake.edu/hr/benefitsoverview/tuitionbenefits/) .
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants will be asked to complete the online application through Drake's job board (https://jobs.drake.edu/jobs/search) and provide: a resume/cv, a cover, and contact information for three references.
Have Questions?
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources. You can best reach us at jobs@drake.edu .
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of work authorization.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain posted until filled.