Director of Development

About the role

The Development Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the institution's fundraising efforts and fostering relationships with alumni, donors, and other key stakeholders. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment and Advancement, this position oversees the planning and execution of comprehensive development initiatives to support the university's mission, vision, and priorities. The Development Director is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts, while also managing alumni engagement strategies to enhance lifelong connections with the university community.

Essential Functions

• Plan and implement a comprehensive fundraising program that aligns with annual and long-term institutional goals.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects, guiding them through the donor lifecycle from identification to stewardship.
• Develop compelling proposals and case statements in partnership with academic and administrative leaders.
• Coordinate donor stewardship and recognition programs to ensure meaningful and consistent engagement.
• Organize and lead cultivation and fundraising events designed to deepen donor relationships and expand the base of support.
• Analyze donor data to evaluate fundraising effectiveness and guide future strategy.
• Collaborate with university leadership and the development team to prioritize funding needs and ensure alignment with strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the development budget and allocate resources effectively to maximize impact.
• Provide leadership and direction for university alumni relations strategies, ensuring strong engagement and pipeline development.
• Supervise and support the Assistant to the Office of Development and Curator and the Development Coordinator.
• Foster a collaborative, goal-oriented team environment with a focus on accountability, communication, and professional development.
• Ensure timely and efficient execution of office operations, donor communications, and event planning.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor staff to achieve fundraising goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and inspire diverse constituencies.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, including moves management, donor stewardship, and gift acceptance policies.
• Experience with fundraising databases and prospect research tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across departments and functions to achieve shared goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education or a related nonprofit environment.
• Ability to coordinate and negotiate.
• Excellent interpersonal skills both written and oral.
• Demonstrated presentation ability.