Associate Director, Family Engagement and Giving

This exempt, full-time position offers an opportunity to build relationships with families while advancing philanthropic support for Lehigh University. Partial remote work may be permitted as determined by the supervisor.

About The Opportunity

As a key member of the Parent and Family Giving team, you'll manage a dedicated portfolio of parent prospects for annual and major gift cultivation and solicitation, with particular focus on Parents' Council membership. You'll oversee essential programs that foster engagement and philanthropy among university families, including the Parents' Council, Family Weekend, and the Legacy Celebration.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with donors and prospective donors to secure financial support for university priorities.
• Assess donor capacity, project interests, and inclination.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 75-125 assigned households, with a focus on first-year parent qualification.
• Arrange or staff campus visits, tours, and cultivation meetings for managed prospects.
• Prepare customized proposals and reports that accurately represent University priorities.
• Plan, coordinate, and administer keystone programmatic elements to build a culture of family engagement.
• Manage day-to-day operations for the Parents' Council, a group of 125+ families contributing $5,000+ annually.
• Oversee the strategic direction and communication for Family Weekend, a three-day fall event in coordination with the Events and Marketing teams.
• Manage event details and staffing for Legacy Celebration, the undergraduate legacy student and family event held during graduation weekend.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner for parent engagement across Development and Alumni Relations, including Summer Sendoffs, Athletics, and Commencement.
• Act as a specialized parent resource for other gift officers in their work with parents and families.
• Document donor activity within 5 days of contact.
• Ensure gifts are booked properly according to accounting standards and University policies; troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Oversee stewardship for assigned prospects and provide regular performance reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Three to five years of related work experience
• Proven track record in major gift solicitation and donor cultivation
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with diverse constituencies
• Experience planning and executing donor engagement events and programs
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, gift solicitation, and stewardship strategies

Pay

Grade 10 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $67,270-$81,830, subject to change based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Benefits

Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family-friendly benefits package, including health care, retirement, and educational benefits. More information can be found on the university's website.