Director of Development, Center for Politics

About the role

Shape the future of civic engagement, democracy, and public discourse. The University of Virginia seeks an accomplished and entrepreneurial fundraising professional to serve as Director of Development for the Center for Politics, one of the nation's most recognized and influential nonpartisan institutions dedicated to advancing public understanding of politics, government, and civic engagement. Founded by Professor Larry J. Sabato, the Center for Politics reaches audiences around the world through conferences, publications, educational programs, public events, and Emmy Award‑winning documentaries that foster informed citizenship and strengthen democratic participation. This is a unique opportunity to join a world‑class university and help secure the philanthropic support that will sustain and expand the Center's impact. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and partnering closely with Center leadership, the Director of Development will lead the Center's fundraising efforts, cultivate meaningful donor relationships, and build a strong pipeline of support for the Center's priorities and future growth. For additional information about the position, please contact April Sibiski, Director of Staff Success, at April.Sibiski@virginia.edu.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual, major, principal, and planned giving.
• Manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects, engaging donors through all stages of the philanthropic cycle.
• Partner with Center leadership to identify priorities and develop compelling opportunities for philanthropic investment.
• Collaborate with and engage the Center's Board of Advisors to support fundraising and donor relationship‑building efforts.
• Develop a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support and strengthen donor stewardship and engagement.
• Co‑supervise and provide clear priorities to an administrative support professional.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: at least eight years of relevant professional experience, including significant responsibility for fundraising, donor relations, development operations, or a closely related advancement function.
• Ability to travel strategically and participate in occasional evening and weekend activities when they advance defined fundraising and donor‑engagement objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience fundraising in higher education, a nonprofit organization, or another complex, mission‑driven institution.
• A proven record of managing donor relationships and prospect portfolios that include individuals capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects.
• Success developing and implementing fundraising strategies that achieve measurable philanthropic outcomes.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, advisory boards, or similar constituent groups in support