Are you looking for the opportunity to be part of an innovative and forward-thinking university environment while participating in a bold and inspiring vision for the growth of new academic programs, real-world research, learning and leadership opportunities? Be a part of our team.

Augustana University invites you to apply for our full-time Senior Director for Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships in our advancement department. The Senior Director is expected to develop innovative ideas that will enhance philanthropic engagement and strategic partnerships across the university to increase revenue and drive investment.

The duties, competencies, and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy inclusive of for profit, non-profit and government entities.


• Work closely with the CSO/EVP to identify, establish and maintain alignment of the university’s Viking Bold strategic initiatives with mutually beneficial strategic partnerships.


• Collaborate and establish systemic opportunities to network with administrators, faculty, coaches, and staff to help develop, nurture and strengthen mutually advantageous strategic partnerships.


• Research and stay abreast of innovative solutions to increase philanthropic engagement.


• Plan, collaborate, and participate in hosted community and strategic partner events to maximize community opportunities to share the Augustana story.


• Adhere to the donor relation cycle (discover, cultivate, solicit, steward) to maximize revenue generation and support.


• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in donor data base.

Qualifications for this position:

• Minimum: bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Preferred Master’s degree in business, public administration, management or higher education management.


• Five or more years of experience in philanthropic development and strategic planning.


• Experience in assessing the needs and interests of donors/community entities in order to develop relationships between them and the university.


• Experience in creating, implementing and evaluating plans for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of philanthropic gifts.


• Experience in communicating the case for support, to grow understanding and inspire donors to act in support a solicitation.


• Experience in project management and group facilitation

What can you bring to the table?

• Your ability to work under pressure of deadlines and accountability goals.


• Your self-starter attitude with demonstrated problem solving skills to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities


• Your excellent and tactful communication skills along with your high attention to detail.


• Your strong organizational, planning and time management skills.


• Your demonstrated ability to write creatively, communicate clearly, think critically, and research effectively.


• Your ability to have an open schedule with flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends and travel regionally.

Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.

If you are looking for a rewarding and dynamic career, look no further than the Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD.  Augustana offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, AD&D, short- and long-term disability, retirement plan, tuition assistance, holiday, vacation and sick pay.

Application Procedure: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should complete an Augustana University employment application, provide a cover letter, statement of diversity, resume and the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references. Application materials are to be sent electronically to: (e-mail removed) Official website: www.augie.edu.

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Augustana University is committed to excellence through diversity and strongly encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community. Submission of official transcripts may be required upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background check.