Assoc/Asst/Director of Trustee Relations

The NDSU Foundation’s mission is to build enduring relationships to maximize advocacy and philanthropy in support of North Dakota State University. The Asst/Assoc/Director of Trustee Relations will innovate and implement personal engagement strategies for emeritus, current, and future Trustees to create a passionate and invested body of volunteers inspired to provide input and guidance to the Executive Governing Board, and to help share the NDSU story across the country.

The Asst/Assoc/Director of Trustee Relations will work closely with the President/CEO and Executive Manager on strategy priorities and execution. he Asst/Assoc/Director of Trustee Relations will focus on generating the high level of personalized engagement which is needed to elevate Trustee involvement by creating customized opportunities, connections, and experiences for the pinnacle volunteer experience. The Asst/Assoc/Director of Trustee Relations will manage the volunteer relationship Trustees have with the Foundation, complementing development staff who manage the respective philanthropic relationship. Additionally, the Asst/Assoc/Director of Trustee Relations will facilitate outreach toward recruitment of new Trustees and develop a pipeline for leadership roles on committees and the Executive Governing Board, in partnership with the Nominating and Governance Committee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Trustee Engagement

2. Trustee Leadership Development

3. New Trustee Development

4. Trustee Emeriti Engagement

5. Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions:

• Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
  • Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs
  • Maintain records and prepare reports
  • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Plan, prioritize and meet deadlines
    

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, internal staff, University community and the public

• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to identify and resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Maintain confidentiality of records and information
  • Display excellent judgment and decision making
  • Follow through on projects with little supervision

• Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

• Prompt and reliable attendance.

• Demonstrate support of Foundation mission and beliefs.

• Bachelor’s degree

• Minimum of 4 years of related experience in working with non-profit volunteers, benefactor relationships and best practices in board governance

• Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office products

• Excellent organizational and project management skills

• Demonstrates a commitment to building connections and an inclusive community

• Collaborative, creative, and strategic thinking with the ability to take initiative

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively, effectively and politely with diverse audiences

• High level of integrity, dependability, and sound judgment

• Excellent attention to details, professionalism, and a strong work ethic

• Personal qualities of trustworthiness, openness, accessibility, kindness, flexibility, sincerity, and a sense of humor

• Ability to relate comfortably with volunteers, donors, and potential volunteers, as well as faculty, staff, and administrators

• Possesses an attitude of gratitude and an affinity for the work of volunteerism and philanthropy.

• Willingness and ability to travel.

• Master’s or other advanced degree

• Strong background in a higher education environment from an institutionally-related foundation setting

• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge/NXT or similar database programs

• Experience with and a comprehensive understanding of fundraising principles and practices

Physical and Mental Demands:
Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office, determine what others have said or written, critical thinking and converse with others and exchange accurate information. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and within the community. May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving objects. Occasionally required to move, raise, reach and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds.

The position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities, duties, and requirements: but to describe the standard level of work being performed. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the business. The NDSU Foundation reserves the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.