Director of Development

About the Role

This Director of Development is a member of the Institutional Advancement (IA) team responsible for developing philanthropic resources from a blended portfolio of prospective donors across multiple schools and colleges, including the Pennoni Honors College, College of Arts and Sciences, and Kline School of Law. The role plays a central part in major gift fundraising supporting both unit and university-wide priorities. This is a hybrid position requiring travel to campus for events, internal meetings, and donor meetings.

Responsibilities

• Actively secure major gifts of $50,000 or more through identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of private support from individuals.
• Build and manage a pool of approximately 150 prospective donors capable of making commitments of at least $50,000.
• Maintain an active schedule of 12-15 virtual and in-person meetings per month with major gift suspects and prospects.
• Steward donors through ongoing communications, recognition activities, event invitations, and interactions with beneficiaries of their support, coordinating with the central Donor Relations office.
• Collaborate with the Office of Planned Giving to secure new planned gifts and steward members of the Drexel University Legacy Society.
• Work with the IA College/School liaison on development publications and communication materials.
• Develop and deepen understanding of initiatives and opportunities across assigned Colleges/Schools.
• Assist the Assistant Vice President and Vice President in analyzing, forming, and implementing fundraising plans for the College/School’s development program.
• Promote University priorities and image to constituents, serving as front-line staff to advance campus goals and objectives.
• Maintain current knowledge of university-wide institutional priorities and, as appropriate, cultivate and solicit prospects on behalf of other campus units in consultation with senior staff.
• Follow Institutional Advancement procedures for prospect management and documenting contacts.
• Oversee and submit all relevant fundraising reports, statistics, projections, and publications.
• Travel to support regional fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience, with at least 3 years demonstrating success in a development program or high-impact sales environment.
• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts of $50,000+ or equivalent sales experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Ability and willingness to work both in teams and individually.
• Ability and willingness to travel to assigned regions and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Experience working with senior-level executives.
• Knowledge of prospect management systems.
• Knowledge of database fundraising software CS Advance.

Pay

This position is classified as Exempt, grade M, with a salary range of $82,920 - $124,380 per year. The offered rate will vary based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Benefits

For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Schedule

This is a hybrid/flexible work arrangement requiring travel to campus as needed for events, internal meetings, donor meetings, and regional fundraising efforts.