Assistant /Associate Director of Development- Fine Arts

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a talented, dynamic, dedicated, and self-motivated individual as the Assistant/Associate Director of Development with our fundraising team. As the Assistant/Associate Director of Development for Fine Arts, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective leadership (mid-level) and major gift donors. This position will focus on volunteer management, fund development coordination, and maintaining a portfolio of prospective donors. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation. With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With nearly $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation. The job duties for this position include:Volunteer ManagementResponsible for volunteer management and fund development coordination of multiple pooled donor support groups while liaising with volunteer boards and the WSU College of Fine Arts and its schools.Work with the marketing and communications team to prepare and deliver compelling proposals and written appeals to prospective donors.Coordinate with the Donor Engagement team on donor recognition and events to enhance donor satisfaction and loyalty. Ensure timely and effective stewardship of leadership and major donors through personalized communication, updates, and recognition. FundraisingCollaborate with the Data Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential leadership (mid-level) and major gift donors.Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors through research, networking, and outreach.Collaborate with the Senior Director of Development - Fine Arts, and other senior leadership to create and execute strategies for donor identification.Build and maintain meaningful relationships with leadership (mid-level) and major gift prospects through personalized outreach, meetings, and events. Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor based on their interests and capacity to give. Lead or assist in the coordination of leadership (mid-level) and major gift solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.Ensure timely and effective stewardship of leadership (mid-level) and major donors through personalized communication, updates, and recognition. Develop and execute stewardship plans for leadership (mid-level) and major gift donors, ensuring that they are informed and engaged with the organizations impact and progress. Collaboration and ReportingCollaborate with development team members, board members, and volunteers to leverage relationships and increase support for the organization. Coordinate with the College of Fine Arts schools, Donor Engagement team, and Development team on the Creative Scholars & Supporters Program (connects donors with student scholarship recipients involved in WSU College of Fine Arts events).Track and report on fundraising progress, donor activity, and campaign outcomes into the database as well as with the development team and others as needed.Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the donor database system.Be a liaison between assigned college(s)/departments and WSUFAE by coordinating prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with the college dean.Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with college dean. Event and OutreachAttend donor and volunteer meetings, events, and functions to represent the organization and strengthen donor relationships.Regularly host donors at College of Fine Arts and support group events for cultivation and stewardship purposes.Represent WSUFAE by attending appropriate WSUFAE and WSU events and functions. Administrative DutiesDevelop and manage an annual budget for fundraising activities and professional development. Maintain accurate and confidential files via computer and paper as necessary.Perform any other duties as assigned. Job RequirementsBachelors degree from an accredited institution requiredMust be willing to travel with frequent weekend and evening workMust have and maintain a valid drivers license and insuranceProject professional image at all timesCommitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and CollaborationSkillsExcellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skillsHighly competent in facilitating volunteer/donor group managementExcellent is liaising and building collaboration and trust with multiple stakeholders; identifies multiple avenues of engagement for individuals and volunteersHighly motivated and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a teamMaintain confidentiality of information, records, and materialsPhysical RequirementsFrequent and sudden movements from sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and walkingFrequent standing or sitting for prolonged periodsFrequent exposure to large crowds, loud noises, and/or bright and/or flashing lightsOccasional travel for conferences and donor or alumni engagement opportunitiesFrequent lifting up to 30 poundsOccasional lifting up to 50 pounds when travelingOccasional exposure to outdoors and hot and inclement weatherPreferred Requirements and SkillsExperience in fundraising within a higher education setting.One year of experience in fundraising or related field and/or volunteer managementKnowledge of Wichita State University and a commitment to higher educationWSUFAE offers outstanding benefits including medical/dental/vision (100% premium paid for employee/50% for dependents), term life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year, and more. WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon. With a mission built on our core values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, and service, we strive to be an inclusive and equitable work environment. Managers are expected to model this behavior by clearly setting expectations and directly addressing non-inclusive behavior. In our pursuit to build and maintain a high-performing team, it is every individuals responsibility to contribute to our culture of belonging.Advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University takes a strong team, and it is our core values that unite and empower us to reach our goals together. Collectively, we are passionate about education and opening doors to new opportunities by working together to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.??In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 978-3815 or email

Created: 2025-10-04