Syracuse University

Director of Development, Family Giving

Syracuse University$90K — $100K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum five years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft applications and CRM systems.
  • Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift donors.
  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit prospects and donors.
  • Drive fundraising strategies to maximize current giving potential.
  • Communicate regularly with donors through multiple channels.
  • Engage donors meaningfully through campus experiences and events.
  • Maintain relationships with University units, faculty, and staff.
  • Support Parent Council initiatives and coordinate related activities.

Benefits

  • Work in a vibrant campus community with strong colleague collaboration.
  • Engage in mentorship opportunities within the University setting.
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives that impact student experiences.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Job #
042803

Department Code
50410-0020

Department
Advancement and External Affairs

Job Title
Director of Development, Family Giving

Location
Syracuse, NY

Campus
Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range
$90,000 - $100,000

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level
S5

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type
Full-time

Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable

Job Description

Reporting to the Exec Director, Family Giving, the Director of Development (DoD) serves as a major gift fundraiser responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and donors. This individual will focus on building a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends by creating and implementing strategies for cultivating and soliciting prospects who have the capacity and inclination to make gifts/commitments of $100,000 or more. The DoD will engage and meet with prospects in person and virtually. She/he will have a special focus on fundraising priorities of the Student Experience division.

Key metrics for this position will include face-to-face/virtual visits, number and dollar amount of major and annual gift solicitations, and increased Parent/Family Office giving participation.

The Division of Advancement & External Affairs expresses a shared mission that is collaborative, trusted, respectful, future-focused and is aligned with the overall University. All current and new employees embrace and demonstrate dedication to promoting shared values in an inclusive work culture to propel the future of advancement operations in their everyday work.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required; a minimum of five years fundraising experience (in Higher Education preferred).


Skills and Knowledge
  • Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications, and CRM systems.
  • Valid driver's license is required.


Responsibilities
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and existing major gift donors with the capacity to make gifts/commitments of $100,000 or more.
  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors.
  • Develop and drive fundraising strategies designed to maximize current giving potential for each prospect including leadership annual gift solicitations.
  • Communicate with donors on a regular basis through email, virtual visits, face-to-face visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence.
  • Creatively and meaningfully engage donors with the University through curated campus experiences, events and gatherings in their communities.
  • Build fluency about the Student Experience Division and its key programs and priorities by developing and maintaining relationships with University units, faculty, and staff.
  • In collaboration with the Exec Director of Family Giving, support Parent Council initiatives; including, but not limited to, bi-annual meetings, regional pipeline development events and volunteer projects.
  • Coordinate annual solicitations and Giving Day activities for Parents Council and Family Giving office.
  • Provide strategic direction and work collaboratively across Advancement, including Advancement Services, Prospect Development and Analytics, Alumni & Constituent Engagement, Gift Planning, Schools & Colleges, and Regional Development to increase giving, participation and engagement, and to meet personal and unit fundraising goals.
  • Report results of all gifts/solicitation efforts in the CITRUS/CRM database and to the Exec Dir, Family Giving.
  • Develop and keep updated plans and opportunities.
  • Ensure the accuracy and timely entry of all information and records.
  • Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions related to this position.


Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/113063

Job Posting Date
05/15/2026

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff

Message to Applicants

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. It was founded in 1870 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States. Syracuse University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields including business, engineering, law, and the arts. The university is known for its strong programs in communications, architecture, and social sciences. Syracuse University is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Learn more about Syracuse University
Size
15,000 employees
Industry

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