Senior Director, Development

The Senior Director manages and leads development staff and is responsible for the continued growth and professionalization of the development function. As the University’s fundraising program expands, this position is designed to evolve with the addition of subdirectors and specialized fundraising units reporting to this role

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential roles and responsibilities of the Senior Director of Development include:

• Manages and coordinates fundraising for institutional priorities in collaboration with the Vice President for University Advancement and the President.
• Provides strategic leadership for the University’s fundraising efforts and advises executive leadership on philanthropic trends.
• Assists in planning and executing annual and multi-year fundraising strategies.
• Oversees donor prospect identification, research, and portfolio management.
• Coordinates biographical and financial research using internal and external resources.
• Serves as a cultivation and strategy partner for the Vice President for University Advancement, the President, and trustees.
• Prepares confidential donor profiles, strategy briefings, and background materials for solicitations and events.
• Rates donor inclination and capacity and guides solicitation strategies across development units.
• Manages and supports leadership portfolios and high-capacity donor relationships.
• Identifies and maintains prospects for major and planned gifts.
• Participates in all phases of the gift cycle, including cultivation, solicitation, negotiation, closure, and stewardship.
• Maintains a personal portfolio of leadership-level donors and prospects.
• Supervises development staff and prepares for the addition of subdirectors as the program grows.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice President for University Advancement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standard office environment
• Travel 10–25%, as required

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution required; master’s degree preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five or more years of major gift fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Ability to articulate and advance a compelling case for support.
• Knowledge of charitable giving, tax considerations, and donor stewardship.
• Excellent oral, written, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-functional development operations.

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