OverviewThe Associate Director or Director of Development will play a pivotal role in engaging donors and partners to advance these priorities. This position is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, linking donor passions with the college's mission and emerging opportunities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development for CoE, this role participates in strategy development for the college's advancement team, manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and serves as a visible ambassador for the College of Engineering. The successful candidate will build strong, collaborative relationships with the Dean, department heads, faculty, and university partners to secure significant private support for the college's strategic priorities.
This position will be hired at either a Associate Director or Director of Development based upon duties assigned and qualifications of the candidate. (See Qualifications section.)
ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Strategic Planning- Work with the Sr. Director of Development for CoE to set program goals aligned with the College as well as the university fundraising priorities.
- Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
- Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities, including the growth of Computer Science, and the launch of Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
- Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college's expansion.
- Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.
Program Management & Execution- Serve as an active partner to the Dean and other academic leaders, providing strategic guidance for development activities and engaging advisory councils or campaign committees as appropriate.
- Utilize advancement tools to track donor engagement, report progress, and manage donor pipelines.
- Build a comprehensive understanding of gift vehicles-including cash, securities, planned gifts, and real property-to develop tailored proposals.
Data-Driven Strategy- Work closely with Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists that align with campaign goals.
- Travel frequently to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners; evening and weekend work may be required.
- Stay informed on fundraising trends, technologies, and best practices to improve fundraising and college advancement effectiveness.
Collaboration & Partnerships- Work closely with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment.
- Collaborate with university advancement colleagues, faculty, and administrators to identify, engage, and solicit major gift prospects.
- Represent the College of Engineering at events, alumni gatherings, and other public functions to promote its mission and achievements.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:This position will be hired at one of two possible levels based upon
duties assigned and qualifications:
- For Associate Director of Development (Development Officer II):
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus two years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- For Director of Development (Development Officer III):
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus three years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- For both levels:
- Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing significant gifts or contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
- Commitment to a respectful environment in donor engagement and workplace culture.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications:- Advanced degree.
- Experience with capital campaigns.
Required DocumentsAlong with the online application, please attach:
- Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
- Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
- Contact information for Professional Refrences to be entered at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile
- Answer the following question within the application:
- Frequent travel is required to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners. Are you willing and able to commit to travel as part of this position?
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised SalaryCommensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADAEmployees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
*updated 12/2025
