TITLE
Director of Advancement
STATUS
Full Time, Exempt
REPORTS TO
President
SUPERVISES
Development Coordinator; Senior Grant Writer and Grants Manager
BENEFITS
Full / Comprehensive Benefits Package
SALARY
$90,000-$110,000
Summary of Position
The Director of Advancement is responsible for leading, planning, and executing Pennsylvania Institute of Technology's advancement efforts, with a strong focus on fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, major gifts, corporate and community partnerships, advancement operations, special events, and external engagement.
Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the College's leadership team, the Director of Advancement works closely with the President, Board of Trustees, Development Coordinator, and Senior Grant Writer and Grants Manager to strengthen philanthropic support and expand P.I.T.'s visibility, relationships, and network throughout the region.
This role serves as the College's lead advancement officer and is expected to maintain a strong external presence, actively represent P.I.T. in the community, identify and cultivate prospective donors and partners, support Board engagement in fundraising, and build a broader culture of philanthropy. While alumni engagement remains part of the office's work, the primary focus is growing external support through donor relations, partnerships, and strategic advancement initiatives.
Success in this role will depend heavily on the ability to serve as an outward-facing ambassador for the College and translate relationships into philanthropic and partnership opportunities.
Essential Functions
Essential functions include, but are not limited to:
• Lead the College's overall advancement strategy, including fundraising, donor cultivation, stewardship, external partnerships, events, advancement communications, and related initiatives.
• Meet prospective donors, supporters, corporate partners, community stakeholders, and friends of the College on a continual basis to establish and strengthen relationships.
• Partner closely with the President to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and philanthropic prospects.
• Develop and manage a major gifts program, including prospect identification, qualification, research strategy, relationship management, solicitation strategy, and stewardship.
• Direct donor and prospect development activities and use research and briefing support prepared by the Development Coordinator to prioritize cultivation opportunities.
• Supervise and support the Development Coordinator and Senior Grant Writer and Grants Manager, ensuring coordination of priorities and alignment across advancement activities.
• Work closely with the Senior Grant Writer and Grants Manager to establish grant priorities and ensure grant-seeking activity aligns with institutional strategy and broader advancement goals.
• Develop and implement annual advancement goals, plans, and measurable outcomes, and regularly assess progress.
• Coordinate and co-lead Board Development Committee meetings and support the Board of Trustees in advancement and fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the President and Board of Trustees to expand philanthropic engagement and strengthen the College's external network.
• Cultivate and grow corporate, foundation, and community-based partnerships that support the mission and strategic priorities of the College.
• Collaborate with marketing staff to promote the College's brand image, advancement messaging, community presence, and fundraising priorities.
• Oversee donor tracking systems, prospect management processes, and advancement reporting to ensure strong organization and follow-through.
• Direct and support advancement-related special events, donor engagement opportunities, sponsorship outreach, and institutional gatherings that advance fundraising and relationship-building goals.
• Support alumni engagement through communications, events, and relationship-building activities, recognizing alumni as an important constituency while not the primary driver of advancement strategy.
• Make public appearances and accept speaking engagements to share information about Pennsylvania Institute of Technology with the community.
• Oversee the creation of publications and materials that support advancement and fundraising activities.
• Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
• Perform other related duties as requested.
Required Skills / Abilities
• Must embrace the mission of Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, donor cultivation, external relations, public presence, and advancement strategy.
• Ability to work effectively with and motivate staff, faculty, Board members, donors, and community partners.
• Strong comfort level with external engagement and the ability to represent the College confidently in the community.
• Ability to think strategically while ensuring strong execution and follow-through.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Positive attitude, professional presence, sound judgment, common sense, and strong listening ability.
• Self-starter who is goal-driven and comfortable taking initiative.
Qualifications
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree; master's preferred.
• Seven to ten years of relevant experience in advancement, fundraising, development, external relations, nonprofit leadership, donor engagement, or related work.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit advancement strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising staff and managing multiple priorities preferred.
Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to attend events, meetings, and community engagements, including occasional evening or weekend responsibilities.
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet the school's changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate at the employer's sole discretion.
