Director of Development (Manning School of Business) - Promotional Opportunity

Director of Development (Manning School of Business) - Promotional Opportunity

Job no: 530358
Work type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Development
Pay Grade: P22
Categories: Advancement/Fundraising

General Summary of Position:

This being a promotional opportunity, only current UML Employees with the same Bargaining unit are eligible to apply for this position.

The Director of Development for Business plays a key role in advancing the philanthropic priorities of the Robert J. Manning School of Business and UMass Lowell. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Advancement Officer, the Director works in close partnership with the Senior Director of Development, Manning School of Business, and the Dean to build a coordinated and comprehensive fundraising program that strengthens the school's major and principal gift pipeline.

The Director will manage a portfolio of 100+ prospects and donors, developing and executing customized strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward five-, six- and seven-figure philanthropic opportunities. In partnership with the Senior Director, the Director will participate in joint prospect strategy, donor engagement and relationship transitions designed to maximize philanthropic potential, ensure continuity of donor relationships and strengthen the Manning School's long-term principal gift pipeline. The successful candidate will be responsible for securing more than $1 million annually over time and will be expected to conduct at least 144 meaningful donor meetings per year.

Essential Job Duties:

Manning School of Business Fundraising

• Manage a primary portfolio of 100+ prospects and donors with the capacity and inclination to make significant philanthropic investments in the Manning School of Business and/or in UMass Lowell. Develop and execute best-practice fundraising strategies and long-range plans for the successful identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of assigned prospects.
• Work in close partnership with the Senior Director of Development to develop coordinated strategies for Manning School prospects and donors. Participate in regular joint prospect strategy sessions to identify emerging principal gift opportunities, determine appropriate relationship management and engagement strategies, and ensure the full philanthropic potential of Manning donors is thoughtfully pursued.
• Partner with the Senior Director or Deputy CAO on select complex and principal gift relationships through joint strategy development, donor visits, relationship introductions and solicitations. As appropriate, assume increasing responsibility for sophisticated donor relationships while ensuring thoughtful transitions and continuity of engagement. Actively identify and develop major gift prospects with the potential to move into the University's principal gift pipeline.
• Work closely with the Dean, Senior Director of Development, Department Chairs and faculty to develop fundraising priorities, engage key major and principal gift prospects, and advance philanthropic opportunities that support the priorities of the School and University.
• Conduct meaningful prospect meetings focused on identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Strategically engage the Dean, Senior Director, faculty, University leadership and other partners in donor relationships as appropriate.
• Be conversant in planned giving opportunities, recognize opportunities for blended and deferred gifts, and engage Gift Planning colleagues when specialized expertise would advance donor conversations.
• Maintain timely and substantive documentation of donor engagement, strategy and next steps in the University's CRM.

Advancement Partnerships

• Collaborate with Corporate and Foundation Relations colleagues to identify and advance corporate and foundation opportunities that support the priorities of the Manning School of Business and UMass Lowell.
• Partner with Annual Giving to support comprehensive annual giving efforts for the Manning School, including the cultivation and solicitation of Chancellor's Leadership Society donors ($1,000+ annually) and participation in the University's Days of Giving.
• Collaborate across University Advancement to coordinate donor strategy, outreach, events, stewardship and recognition, freely sharing appropriate information and expertise to strengthen donor relationships and maximize philanthropic opportunities.
• Actively participate in prospect management, campaign planning and other Advancement initiatives that contribute to the University's short- and long-term fundraising success.

Manning School and University Partnerships

• Develop a strong understanding of philanthropic and engagement opportunities across UMass Lowell and connect donor interests with priorities that extend beyond the Manning School when appropriate.
• Build trusted and collaborative relationships with Manning School faculty, staff and academic leadership, serving as an effective liaison between the School and University Advancement and supporting shared philanthropic goals.
• Foster collaboration across the Manning School, University Advancement and other academic units by sharing relevant information, identifying opportunities for partnership and ensuring a coordinated approach to donor engagement.
• Ensure exceptional service to internal and external partners and contribute to an environment that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds, nationalities and roles.
• Other related duties as assigned by the Deputy Chief Advancement Officer.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, sales, relationship management or a related field, with demonstrated success managing complex relationships and securing significant commitments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of development practices and principles, including prospect identification and qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and securing philanthropic commitments at the five-figure level or above, with experience advancing six- and/or seven-figure opportunities strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to personally solicit philanthropic support.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, data management and technology used to support relationship management and fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute thoughtful donor strategies involving multiple stakeholders and long-term relationship development.
• Strong relationship management and donor engagement skills, with the ability to align donor interests with School and University priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with deans, faculty, Advancement colleagues and University leadership.
• Strong collaboration skills and demonstrated ability to contribute effectively to joint prospect strategy and shared fundraising goals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor briefings, strategies, proposals and stewardship materials.
• High degree of initiative, resilience, professionalism, sound judgment and discretion when managing confidential donor information and complex philanthropic opportunities.
• Strong organizational and portfolio management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple donor relationships and strategies simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as a member of a high-performing Advancement team.
• Flexibility to travel regionally and occasionally nationally and to work evenings and weekends as required.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience in higher education advancement preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This being a promotional opportunity, only current UML Employees with the same Bargaining unit are eligible to apply for this position.

This is a SEIU union, Professional position, Grade P22. Anticipated salary based on qualifications/experience within range: Minimum $103,747, 25th quartile: $119,309 and midpoint of $134,871.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three reference will be required during the application process.

Advertised: Oct 07 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 21 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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