Grist — A Beacon in the Smog

Vermont Law School, an independent, private law school, seeks a highly strategic and dynamic Director of Major Gifts with excellent development and project management skills to take the lead role in raising funds to support key programs, including the South Royalton Legal Clinic, the Partnership for Environmental Law in China, and the Dispute Resolution Program. This is a full-time, exempt position located in South Royalton, VT.

Responsibilities:
The Director of Major Gifts will report to the VP of the Office of Advancement. Key areas of responsibility for this role include:

Foundations and Corporations:
• Identify, research, access, cultivate, solicit and steward new and existing foundation relationships
• Lead the proposal development and submission process by working closely with appropriate faculty and staff
• Report to donors, the Dean of the Law School, the VP of the Office Institutional Advancement, and key faculty members
• Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements from foundation and corporate supporters and maintain accurate development records

Major Gifts:
• Collaborate with the VP, Office of Institutional Advancement to develop principal gift program, including creating and implementing a prospect management process
• Steward major donors
• Prepare and submit materials and reports related to individual giving
• Oversee the work of a part-time researcher

Government:
• Collaborate with Director of Institutional Giving to develop and implement a government relations program for all non-environmental projects
• Work closely with faculty to match their needs with potential government funding and prepare and submit proposals
• Track and report on government funding activities, ensure compliance with all government funding requirements
• Cultivate relationships with government supporters, including Congressional staff

Other responsibilities include supporting the VP, Office of Institutional Advancement, the President, and Dean of Students in additional fundraising activities, such as capital campaigns, communications strategies, and events.


Qualifications:
All candidates should have a minimum of seven years development experience, at least three of which as a grant seeker or grant maker (including at least 5 years of experience at an organization with an environmental focus). Candidates must also possess demonstrated success in generating support from foundation and corporations. Additional preferred qualifications include:

• A history of high-level performance in writing successful grant proposals.
• Strong relationship building skills and the ability to interact effectively with faculty, academic administrators, and corporate and foundation program officers.
• Knowledge of institutional advancement and corporate and foundation relationship management.
• Excellent research and oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to independently manage proposal initiatives, develop solicitation strategies and write effective proposals.
• Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the VLS mission and goals
• The ability to travel up to 30%

Salary & Benefits:
Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits.

To Apply:
Vermont Law School has engaged Koya Consulting to work with them on this hire. To apply for the position, please submit a compelling cover letter and resume to Molly Brennan at executivesearch@koyaconsulting.com.

Vermont Law School is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

About Vermont Law School:
Vermont Law School, an independent, private law school located in South Royalton, Vermont, was founded in 1972. In a short span of time the Law School has earned national recognition for its innovative programs and talented faculty and has become an indispensable legal resource for the regional community. Vermont Law School’s goal is to educate agents of change who will continue to be guided by our motto—“Law for the community and the world”—as they set off down their individual paths toward success as litigators, public interest attorneys, environmental and land use experts, civil rights advocates, and activists. For more information, please visit: http://www.vermontlaw.edu.

About Koya:
Koya Consulting is a national retained search and consulting firm that works exclusively with non-profits and social enterprises. We deliver measurable results, finding exceptionally talented people who truly fit the unique culture of our client organizations. For more information, please visit: koyaconsulting.com.