Senior Director of Development for Engineering

About the role

The Senior Director of Development (Development Officer SR) is a key member of the College of Engineering advancement team, responsible for advancing the college’s mission through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gifts ($25,000 and above), with an emphasis on securing leadership and transformational commitments.

This position works in close partnership with the Executive Director of Development, the Dean, department heads, faculty, and key stakeholders to align philanthropic support with the college’s strategic priorities and growth initiatives. This position operates as part of a small, collaborative development team within the College of Engineering, contributing to overall fundraising strategy and execution while maintaining a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors and corporate partners.

This position requires extensive travel, including overnight trips, and occasional event attendance during evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Major Gift Solicitation
  • Solicit major and principal gifts ($25,000 and above) from alumni, corporate partners, and friends of the College of Engineering, with a focus on securing leadership-level and transformational commitments.
  • Strategically manage solicitation timing, amount, and purpose in alignment with college priorities, including support for emerging programs such as Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
  • Develop and manage a multi-year pipeline of high-capacity individual and corporate prospects.
  • Lead the development of compelling proposals that align donor interests with college priorities, including research, student success, faculty support, and innovation initiatives.
• Team Collaboration and Contribution
  • Contribute to a high-performing, collaborative development team within the College of Engineering.
  • Partner with the Executive Director of Development and colleagues to support team goals, strategy development, and overall fundraising success.
  • Participate in joint donor visits and collaborative strategy discussions to enhance team effectiveness.
  • Support a positive, accountable, and donor-focused team culture.
• Donor Engagement and Prospect Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and corporate partners through strategic outreach and engagement.
  • Engage industry partners in supporting research, workforce development, and innovation aligned with the college’s growth.
  • Cultivate and steward donors through meaningful communication that demonstrates impact and strengthens long-term engagement.
  • Manage prospects through deliberate strategies to enhance engagement and increase philanthropic investment in the College of Engineering.
• Philanthropic Strategies
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of philanthropic giving methods, including complex and blended gifts, to support meaningful donor conversations.
  • Align fundraising strategies with college priorities and broader campaign initiatives.
  • Maintain deep knowledge of college priorities, funding opportunities, and emerging initiatives to effectively connect donors with areas of impact.
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with the Executive Director of Development, Dean, faculty, department heads, and colleagues to identify and advance funding opportunities.
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding fundraising opportunities and impact.
• University Representation
  • Represent the College of Engineering in donor meetings, corporate engagements, and public events with professionalism and credibility.
  • Support advisory boards, councils, and industry partners connected to the college.
  • Uphold and promote the university’s mission, vision, and impact in all interactions.
• Goal Achievement
  • Meet and exceed annual metrics including major and principal gift revenue, donor visits, solicitations, and pipeline development.
  • Contribute to overall team success and collective fundraising outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to lead complex gift conversations and close significant philanthropic or corporate investments.
• Demonstrated track record of securing major gifts.
• Experience working effectively with senior administrators, deans, faculty, and advisory boards.
• Demonstrated experience staffing advisory councils, campaign committees, or similar groups.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, along with analytical and organizational abilities.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems and data-informed fundraising strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders including corporate partners.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required.
• Able to work effectively with multiple stakeholders including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced academic degree.
• 10 years of progressive fundraising experience or comparable experience.
• Experience working in higher education or engineering-related fields.
• Experience designing and executing comprehensive or capital campaigns.
• Demonstrated success securing leadership or principal-level gifts, including corporate partnerships.