Position Summary

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Foundation Director leads the development and execution of an integrated strategy and supporting plans to achieve the Foundation’s fundraising objectives in support of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) and SURF. The Director manages all Foundation planning activities, writing, constituency relations, donor solicitation, donor research and grants. This is a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Exempt-level position.

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Line of Authority

The SURF Foundation Director reports to the SDSTA Executive Director, who serves as the Foundation's Chief Executive Officer. The Foundation Director also directly supports the SURF Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation Director is an employee of the SDSTA and is functionally assigned to the SURF Foundation.

Functional Responsibilities

• Leads the development of an integrated Foundation strategy and supporting plans to achieve the Foundation’s fundraising objectives in support of the SDSTA and SURF.
• Fundraises successfully at local, regional and national scales to meet SDSTA and SURF objectives.
• Cultivates and solicits potential donors in giving categories and geographic areas via personal contact, media contact, public speaking and other fundraising tactics.
• Supervises and directs direct mail activities. Develops profiles of major gift prospects utilizing records and public information and manages donor and prospect “moves” for donor relations.
• Oversees the request and gifting process, including working directly with accounting staff.
• Organizes and manages special events, including planning and implementation aspects.
• Works closely with the Foundation staff to develop grant requests to the government, foundation and individual sources to support organizational goals.
• Researches and writes grants for the support of organizational activities. Oversees grant writing performed by others.
• Supervises day-to-day work activities of Foundation staff including hiring, goal setting, coaching and conducting performance reviews.
• Develops and manages the Foundation’s budget as approved by the Foundation Board of Directors.
• Supervises the maintenance of constituency and donor computer files, records and public information.
• Writes and edits the foundation plan annually to include past results and planning.
• Writes special correspondence to donors from the CEO.
• Works with staff and volunteers to support other fundraising-related public events.
• Works closely with the Executive Director and marketing agency to develop messaging and creative materials for various campaigns, including annual, major gifts and capital campaigns.