Career Opportunities

Chapman University

Director of Development, School of Law

July 14, 2010

The Organization:

Chapman University, founded in 1861, is one of the oldest, most prestigious private universities in California. Chapman's picturesque campus is located in the heart of Orange County one of the nation's most exciting centers of arts, business, science and technology and draws outstanding students from across the United States and around the world. Known for its blend of liberal arts and professional programs, Chapman University encompasses seven schools and colleges.

Chapman University's School of Law has quickly earned a reputation as an emerging center for legal education. Since opening in 1995, the School of Law has:

Earned a top 100 ranking in U.S. News and World Report.

Seen a significant rise in first-time California Bar exam pass rates.

Received full and unconditional approval by the American Bar Association.

Opened a spectacular facility for legal study.

Placed graduates in high-profile firms, prestigious judicial clerkships and government positions.

Competed exceedingly well against many well-established schools in key law school rankings.

Attracted faculty who have clerked for Supreme Court Justices and who hold degrees from Harvard, Stanford, Chicago, UCLA, USC, Pennsylvania, Georgetown, Michigan and with publications in distinguished law reviews and journals such as Minnesota Law Review, Wisconsin Law Review, Harvard Environmental Law Review, the Georgetown Journal of Law and Policy, Cornell Journal of Law and Policy and many others.

Launched new LL.M degrees in Taxation and prosecutorial science, and added an exciting new certificate program in entertainment law.

Seated students with consistently stronger academic credentials year after year.

Routinely competed head to head against some of the nations top law schools in its burgeoning competition program.

Location:

The position is located in Orange, CA.

Reporting:

The position reports directly to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement and has functional, "dotted-line" reporting relationship to the Dean of the Law School.

Position Summary:

This is an exceptional opportunity for a Director of Development to grow and build upon the School of Law's existing development successes, understand the University's overall big picture of future growth and advance the School of Laws development of unrealized revenue resources. The incumbent will support the organizations development efforts by providing strategic insight, direction and fundraising support of all non-tuition revenue. Your priority will be to design and establish a comprehensive fundraising strategy for positioning the School of Law to increase their foundation, endowment, major gift and annual fund support. The Director of Development works closely with the Associate Vice President of University Advancement and the Dean of the Law School, and the Development team and is a visible and active participant at University and community events.

Primary Responsibilities:

Secure donors for remaining capital campaign naming opportunities.

Organize and direct donor solicitation involving key volunteers and academic leaders and participate in major donor solicitations, as appropriate.

Direct the organization, planning and implementation of volunteer committees or support groups as may be appropriate and necessary to meet the School of Law post-campaign fund raising objectives.

Develop detailed gift opportunities tailored to the interests of potential major donors, consistent with needs and priorities established by the dean.

Direct the planning of strategies and tactics for donor solicitation by appropriate volunteers and academic leaders and prepare appropriate written proposals and other materials.

Provide advisement on all fund-raising and external relations matters for the School of Law and coordinate production of relevant publications and communications.

Manage revenue and expenses budget to meet program objectives in a fiscally responsible manner.

Assist in preparing written proposals and/or other specific materials for use during donor cultivation and solicitation, working with faculty, foundations relations, public relations and other resources in university advancement.

With the special events office, assist in managing major events of the School of Law, and secure sponsorships for them.

Provide regular stewardship of donors, prospects and volunteers involved with School of Law events.

The Director of Development is responsible for making 12 to 16 face-to-face visits with major gift prospects each month, 4 to 5 solicitations per month, and identifying 2 to 4 new major gift prospects per month.

May be required to drive personal vehicle to off-campus event/meeting locations.

May be required to travel overnight.

May be required to maintain flexible work schedule, including some evening and weekend hours.

Background Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5+ years of development experience with demonstrated success in direct solicitation of large gifts from individuals and foundations.

Candidates should be experienced development department leaders and able to communicate their fundraising accomplishments.

The successful candidates experience should encompass the full spectrum of development including policies, solicitations, stewardship, donor recognition and administration.

Candidates must be ambitious, creative and strategic thinkers in order to lead the School of Law to the next level of fundraising achievements.

Strong initiative, problem solving skills and the ability to thrive in a team environment are essential to success.

A strong leadership and organizational methodology to successfully identify, cultivate and solicit major gift prospects is required.

Previous Development Officer experience in a university setting is highly desired.

The candidate should have proven staff management experience and a collaborative style, incorporating a highly principled outlook and a bright and outgoing personality.

Exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are necessary as well.

A familiarity with fundraising management software applications and Microsoft Office suite is essential.

A bachelors degree is required.

Desired:

Masters degree.

Understanding of academic, research, education functions and operating principles of a private university.

Knowledge of planned gifts.

Knowledge of the Orange County legal community.

Compensation:

Chapman University offers an attractive salary that will be determined by the candidates experience and qualifications. In addition, Chapman University offers an excellent benefit package, including a comprehensive insurance benefits program, employee retirement plans, and a tuition discount program for employee and qualified dependents. 

How to Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to:

Melinda Japs
Email:    mjaps@identifyinc.com
Phone:   626-395-0444
FAX:        626-395-0441

Chapman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing career opportunities to all people, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. 

More Information:

 For more information about Chapman Univeristy and the School of Law, please visit our web site:

Chapman University - www.chapman.edu

School of Law - www.chapman.edu/law/

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