Director of National Development

Director of National Development

We are now accepting applications for a qualified Director of National Development at Belmont University. 

Employment Type 

Staff

Internal Job Category

Exempt (Staff)

Department

EVP for Advancement

Hours 
Primary Duties and
Responsibilities: 

The Director of National Development will build and manage a nationwide portfolio of major gift prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic support for Belmont University. As a senior frontline fundraiser, this role is responsible not only for individual portfolio performance, but also for creating and advancing national fundraising strategy with Advancement and Campus Partners. This position will serve as a key frontline fundraiser for the university’s comprehensive campaign, with accountability for revenue outcomes, donor movement, and long-term relationship development, strengthening the donor pipeline and expanding Belmont’s reach across the country. 

Primary position responsibilities:

Portfolio Management: Strategically manage a nationwide portfolio of major gift prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic investment with full ownership of strategy, pacing, and outcomes. Build relationships with individuals interested in supporting programs and initiatives across Belmont’s campus, identifying meaningful opportunities for engagement and giving serving as the primary or secondary relationship manager for complex, high-capacity donors and families. Increase donor engagement to secure gifts at the $50,000–$500,000+ level, actively contributing to the development of future leadership and principal gift prospects. Conduct regular travel to meet donors and prospects in key regions across the United States with intentional planning aligned to portfolio strategy and campaign priorities. Communicate outcomes of donor visits and interactions with appropriate Advancement staff, providing clear strategic recommendations, next steps, and coordination across teams, emphasizing major donor identification and movement through the giving cycle. Actively participate in Advancement’s prospect management process to inspire trust, encourage creative collaboration, and strengthen philanthropic outcomes. Develop productive relationships with campus partners outside of Advancement to support donor, parent, student, and alumni engagement and to align institutional priorities with donor interests. Provide staffing support for campus events, internal committees, and other constituent activities that advance engagement and philanthropy.

Prospecting: Review daily gift reports, LYBUNT/SYBUNT lists, and other data sources to identify potential major gift prospects for outreach. Collaborate with prospect management and research teams to evaluate unassigned individuals with major giving capacity and prepare them for portfolio assignment while contributing insight into national prospect strategy and segmentation. 

Goals and Metrics: In collaboration with the AVP for Development (Colleges and Units), establish annual goals and objectives for portfolio-based fundraising outcomes with accountability for performance, forecasting accuracy, and progress toward campaign goals.

The above statements describe the job’s essential responsibilities and requirements. They are not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be assigned to job incumbents.

Required Qualifications:

Belmont University seeks to attract and retain highly qualified faculty and staff who will support our mission and vision. As a Christ-centered and student-focused community, we aim to:

Form diverse leaders of character;

Equip people to solve the world’s complex problems through teaching, research and service;

And be radical champions for helping people and communities flourish.

 

Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, relate and compare data from different sources, and identify alternative solutions.

Critical Thinking: Interprets and seeks information, uses independent reasoning to diagnose the root cause of situations or issues, identifies and tests solutions and thinks beyond what is typical or customary. Uses information to determine benefits and impact in making decision and/or recommendations.

Project/Program/Service Management: Ability to coordinate and administer programs/project activities and protocols. Ability to manage resources, monitor activities, and assess risks and quality issues associated with the program/project.

Written and Oral Communications: Ability to present information to individuals or groups; ability to deliver presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience. Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals either verbally or in writing to ensure that they understand the information and the message. Ability to listen and respond appropriately to others. Ability to impact and influence others to further the institution’s strategic objectives.

Technical, Computer, and Software Skills: Ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and basic databases and software.

Experience working in a fast-paced environment and the ability to respond to high-pressure situations. Ability to thrive in an environment of hard work.

Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Required EducationBachelor's degree is required. Rigorous and relevant coursework with moderate experience may substitute for required education.
Required Experience3 years experience in development, alumni relations, or related field is required, preferably in higher education. 4-6 years experience is preferred.

The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check satisfactory to the University.

Belmont University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.