A bizarre indicator of progress in Iraq? Or is someone being completely delusional.

Probably somewhere in the middle.

I just came across this while persusing the job listings in the Chronicle of Higher Education:

Position: Development Officer Institution: American University of Iraq Location: Date posted: 9/4/2007

The American University of Iraq - Sulaimani
Career Opportunities
The American University of Iraq - Sulaimani invites applications for the position of Development Officer (Fund Raiser).
Job Purpose:
The Development Officer will coordinate and integrate the planning and implementation of economic development and fundraising initiatives for the University, to include strategic planning, communications, business, government and community relations, and related areas of activity.
Job Objectives:
· Assist in the initiation, coordination, and evaluation of university fundraising activities; provide guidance and leadership to the university community for fundraising activities.
· Oversee the planning and coordination of fundraising activities, including television on-air, direct mail and telemarketing campaigns, and special events including banquets.
· Write solicitation proposals, reports, press releases, and communication materials.
· Represent the University to various institutional divisions, as well as externally to media, government agencies, funding agencies, students, and/or the general public/local community.
· Work with media outlets to promote marketing and advertise forthcoming events.
· Build and maintain long-term fundraising relationships.
· Organize traditional fundraising activities.
· Provides strategic, integrated policy analysis and consultation to senior administrators on major institutional issues regarding economic development initiatives.
· Direct and manage the process of developing, refining, and monitoring and reporting on the implementation of strategic economic development initiatives.
· Develop and implement a consistent, effective plan to increase the University visibility in economic development initiatives in order to further the mission and goals of the University and position the institution as a major force in the business community and development activities.
· Prepare and/or contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on strategic planning issues, on behalf of the Chancellor and senior leadership, as appropriate.
· Serve as the institution's primary point of contact on economic development matters, issues, and organizational interfaces.
· Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Essential Job Specifications:
· A baccalaureate degree in business administration and/or related field from an accredited university.
· Knowledge of marketing and public relations principles, methods, media, and techniques.
· Advanced verbal and written English communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
· Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
· Extensive experience in institutional fund raising.
· Demonstrated success at raising funds by developing and implementing strategic solicitation fund raising plans that incorporate a concise definition of goals, targeted audiences, and strategies in-line with institutional and academic goals in higher education from individuals, corporations, and foundations, both local and international.

Contact Information:

E-mail : recruitment@auis.org
Web Site : www.auis.org
Mr. Mahmoud Muati
Director of Human Resources
Human Resources
The American University of Iraq - Sulaimani
Malik Mahmud
Sulaimani

Development Officer for the American University of Iraq? Can you imagine the cold calls for the annual fund? What's their mascot---The Fightin' Great Satans? And who do they play for Homecoming, those wacky Embassy Seizers at Tehran Tech?