Director of Development

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Advancement for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Director of Development (DoD) serves as a major gift fundraiser responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects and donors. This individual will focus on building a portfolio of alumni, parents, and friends by creating and implementing strategies for cultivating and soliciting prospects who have the capacity and inclination to make gifts/commitments of $100,000 or more. A key partner to the Assistant Dean and Dean in their work with top prospects, this person will be expected to move donors through the pipeline with purpose. The DoD will engage and meet with prospects in person and virtually.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and existing major gift donors with the capacity to make gifts/commitments of $100,000 or more.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors, ensuring meaningful contact or attempted contact of 100% of the portfolio during any 6-month period.
• Develop and drive fundraising strategies to maximize current giving potential for each prospect, including leadership annual gift solicitations.
• Communicate with donors regularly through email, virtual visits, face-to-face visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence.
• Creatively and meaningfully engage donors through curated campus experiences, events, and gatherings in their communities.
• Build fluency about the College of Engineering and Computer Science and its key programs and priorities by developing and maintaining relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
• Collaborate with central AEA offices, including Advancement Services, Prospect Development and Analytics, Philanthropic Engagement, Gift Planning, Regional Development, and Alumni Engagement, to increase giving, participation, and engagement, and to meet fundraising goals.
• Travel as needed for visits, meetings, and events.
• Report results of all outreach/gifts/solicitation efforts in the CITRUS/CRM database and to the Assistant Dean for Advancement.
• Support the Assistant Dean’s and Dean’s travel and donor engagement activities, including preparation of briefings, prospect strategies, and post-visit follow-up.
• Support the Assistant Dean and Dean in their work with College volunteer board(s), including new member recruitment.
• Attend and participate in college and central development office events, meetings, training opportunities, and University-wide functions.
• Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to accomplish responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of three years of fundraising experience, preferably in Higher Education.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft applications and CRM systems.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Skills

• Proven track record of qualifying prospects and soliciting major gifts with a donor-centric approach while managing all stages of the relationship.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with internal and external constituents.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate the case for support.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Goal-driven team player capable of working independently.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries.

About the Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State, approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions, from water skiing and snow skiing to hiking in the Adirondacks, touring historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.