Executive Director, Major Giving
The Executive Director of Development provides strategic leadership for a team of development officers who work directly with deans, colleges, and other university units to advance fundraising goals and enhance donor engagement. In close partnership with the Associate Vice President and Vice President of Advancement, the Executive Director will help design and implement action plans that strengthen prospect management, build the donor pipeline, and drive major and principal gift strategies. This position plays a key role in coordinating development strategies across colleges and administrative areas, ensuring alignment with university-wide fundraising priorities. The Executive Director will manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and will collaborate with development officers and campus partners to create personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that strengthen long-term relationships with donors. Through strategic outreach, travel, and engagement, this individual will build and sustain relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to support institutional priorities. Essential Functions and Duties:
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development officers supporting various colleges and units.
- Collaborate with advancement leadership to design, implement, and execute strategic fundraising and engagement plans.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal and major gift prospects and donors to advance university priorities.
- Partner with academic leaders, unit directors, and colleagues across Advancement to align fundraising strategy with institutional goals.
- Contribute to the development of long-term fundraising strategies that strengthen the donor pipeline and advance campus-wide initiatives.
- Provide leadership and oversight for key projects, initiatives, and fundraising campaigns.
- Represent the development team in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, influencing decision-making and promoting collaboration.