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Sr Director of Advancement - College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

University of Missouri-Columbia
parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance
United States, Missouri, Columbia
801 Conley Avenue (Show on map)
Oct 03, 2025
Hiring Department

Advancement

Job Description

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources has cultivated the world through visionary and transformative solutions for the environment, food systems, economies and communities for 155 years - thanks, in large part, to generous philanthropic support. Help secure the future of CAFNR as part of their dedicated fundraising team and support the college in their mission to create a healthy world.

As a Senior Director of Advancement, you'll work under the supervision and guidance of the Executive Director of Advancement and in close collaboration with the Dean, other advancement team members, and unit staff.

The Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources will

  • Identify prospective individual donors, corporations, and foundations for major gifts ($50,000 and above) and initiate appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
  • Develop and implement an annual operating plan with monthly and quarterly activity and progress goals, under the direction of the Executive Director of Advancement.
  • Attend CAFNR donor functions, central Advancement meetings, and participate in prospect strategy meetings.
  • Participate in creating fundraising strategy and alumni/stakeholder engagement efforts within the College in conjunction with the Dean, CAFNR Advancement, Division Directors, and MU Advancement using the CAFNR Drive to Distinction strategic plan as a guidepost.
  • Positively represent the University of Missouri and CAFNR at all times and assist with other fundraising projects as needed.
  • Perform required recordkeeping related to donor activities; and
  • Actively engage in CAFNR and University Advancement staff meetings, prospect management and prospect strategy meetings, and University functions.
Shift

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

With occasional evening or weekend events and some travel

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

* Demonstrated understanding of and alignment with the University of Missouri's mission to serve all Missourians through research and education.
* A history of successful solicitations of major and principal gifts that support the building of an advancement program and fundraising performance.
* A sophisticated understanding of the stages in the donor life cycle
* Campaign planning and/or execution experience
* A commitment to donor focused fundraising and an ability to learn and understand organizational relationships and dynamics and use them to achieve objectives and goals
* Experience using best practices to create and execute donor-focused major gifts strategies that drive revenue and alumni participation rates
* An ability to think creatively and develop innovative strategies to achieve goals
* Comprehensive knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards in a college or research university setting
* Outstanding collaborative skills and an ability to serve as a member of a team while working independently across diverse constituencies
* Strong time management, organizational, strategic thinking, and planning skills
* Exemplary interpersonal and written communication skills, and an ability to favorably affect volunteers and donors
* A strong work ethic, self-motivation, discipline, and personal integrity
* Fluency and comfort with technology
* Outstanding customer service skills with the ability to build consensus, resolve conflict, and leverage integrity; and
* An ability to analyze needs, propose solutions, and motivate and inspire others to action.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $110,000 and $120,000 annually

Grade: GGS 013

University Title: ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR III

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile title in myHR.

Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Other Information

Our benefits:

As one of Missouri's largest employers, MU staff members enjoy exceptionally competitive health, PTO, and retirement plans. A few highlights:

  • Health Insurance - Three plans to choose from, including our Custom Network Plan; a cost-effective insurance option that utilizes our extensive network of MU-affiliated hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
  • HSA - UM provides between $400-$1200 in contributions to health savings accounts, depending on plans and dependents.
  • Dental - 100% coverage for preventative care, with no restrictions on network or non-network providers.
  • Vision - $0 copays on frames and contact lenses along with a $140 allowance, and a $10 copay on yearly eye exams.
  • Retirement - UM will match 100% of up to 8% of eligible pay contributed to a 457(b), with a three-year vesting period on University contributions.
  • Tuition Assistance - Up to 75% of tuition and supplemental fees waived for employees, and 50% waived for spouses and dependents.
  • Time Off - Personal time off (PTO) as well as 10 paid holidays.
  • Winter Break - The university observes a paid holiday for the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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