Dr. Dan Cotton, director of the eXtension initiative, has asked me to share this position announcement with LSU AgCenter faculty.
The eXtension initiative is seeking an interested individual to apply for the position of Communications and Marketing Leader. The Communications and Marketing Leader will be responsible for national leadership in the development and implementation of a strong internal communications program and external marketing effort for eXtension. The basic function and responsibility is to act as a major gift/grant fundraiser for the national Cooperative Extension System’s national eXtension project. One must proactively identify and solicit corporations and foundations whose program guidelines support the eXtension mission and priorities.
This appointment with eXtension is flexible either as an independent contractor relationship or as an employee of a partnering higher education institution. If the position if filled as an institutional employee, the FTE is flexible from .4 to .65 FTE on a limited term basis (minimum 2 years). The person can be located anywhere in the United States; travel will be required. The person is responsible to maintain a business office.
Expectations:
- Identify prospective corporate and foundation donors and initiate appropriate personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities.
- Develop and implement goals for the corporate/foundation activities, an annual operating plan with quarterly activity goals, and monetary goals.
- Participate in meetings of the eXtension finance task force.
- Assist in the creation and implementation of national solicitation strategies with partner universities to generate support from private/corporate foundations and corporations.
- Proactively develop and maintain relationships with corporations and foundations that lead to major gifts.
- Work with eXtension faculty, staff and CES employees and volunteers educating them on how to approach foundations and corporations for gifts/grants and develop relationships that will lead to major gifts.
- Write, edit and/or rewrite gift/grant proposals being prepared for submission to foundations and corporations.
- Assist eXtension personnel in identifying programmatic and operational needs and priorities as they relate to foundation and corporate opportunities.
One must provide periodic reports to the Director of eXtension regarding progress and/or status regarding the expectations listed above and all relative activities. Will maintain liaison with relevant eXtension governance/oversight and finance entities.
A bachelor’s degree is necessary. Minimum five years’ experience in securing gifts and grants.
Proven track record of soliciting and closing major gifts and grants. Successful fundraising experience in a national organizational network is preferred.
Self-motivated and energetic. Able to balance and manage multiple projects. Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated competence in writing funding proposals for corporations and foundations. Demonstrated extensive computer skills; thorough familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail applications.
Salary and Benefits: Salary or contractual rate will be commensurate with professional experience and demonstrated ability.
A letter of application, resume and contact information of three references should be sent to:
Dan Cotton
Director, eXtension
6 Ag Communications Building
PO Box 830918
Lincoln, NE 68583-0918
Office: (402) 472-2821
Fax: (402) 472-0025
E-mail: dan_cotton@extension.org
Web: intranet.extension.edu
The review of applicants will be conducted until finalists are identified. Application deadline is May 6, 2005.