Director of Development- College of Applied Studies

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a talented, dynamic, dedicated, and self-motivated individual as the Director of Development for our College of Applied Studies with our fundraising team. As the Director of Development, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective donors. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation. The WSU College of Applied Studies comprises five departments whose synergy provides a powerful understanding of life span development and academic innovation in living and learning. It prepares teachers, school professionals, school counselors, educational psychologists, exercise scientists, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, and community and organizational leaders for careers.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:1. Identification and Prospective Donors:Collaborate with the Data Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential major gift donors.Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors through research, networking, and outreach.Collaborate with the Senior Director of Development for Engineering and other senior leadership to create and execute strategies for donor identification. 2. Cultivation and Solicitation:Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors to achieve giving goals. Develop and implement personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a select group of high-net-work donors. Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create high-quality communication with major and principal donors through customized proposal, presentation, and engagement activities. Communicate and be the liaison between assigned college/departments and WSUFAE by coordinating prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with college dean. Build and maintain meaningful relationships with 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 gift solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.3. Gift Solicitation and Closing:Actively work towards meeting established annual targets and objectives, collaborating with team members to ensure cohesive efforts. Develop and execute strategies to secure financial support in alignment with both personal, team, and WSUFAEs fundraising goals. Lead the solicitation of major and principal gifts with donors in your portfolio and close contributions that support WSUs priorities. 4. Administrative Duties:Develop and manage an annual budget for fund-raising activities and professional development. Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with WSUFAEs goals.Maintain accurate computer and paper files as necessary. Perform any other duties as assigned. Job RequirementsBachelors degree from accredited institution requiredThree years development of Major Gifts ($50,000 or more) experience in higher education or equivalent experienceMust be willing to travel with occasional weekend and evening dutiesMust have and maintain valid drivers license and insuranceMust meet position metrics which include various fundraising objectives that can change year to yearProject professional image at all timesCommitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and ServiceRequired SkillsExcellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skillsHighly motivated and to work effectively independently or 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 lightsFrequent intra- and inter-state travel by car and planeFrequent travel requiring two or more days overnight staysFrequent lifting up to 20 poundsOccasional lifting up to 50 pounds when travelingOccasional exposure to outdoors and hot and inclement weatherPreferred Requirements and SkillsGraduate degree from accredited institutionExperience managing budgetsKnowledge 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. 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: 2026-01-08