Clemson University

Senior Director of Development & Unit Lead - CECAS

Clemson University • $150K — $180K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in fundraising or development
  • Demonstrated ability to secure six and seven figure gifts (preferred)
  • Experience in higher education or complex non-profits (preferred)
  • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead fundraising efforts for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
  • Manage a portfolio of up to 150 major gift prospects and donors.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts through 160-180 visits annually.
  • Collaborate with College leadership to develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives.
  • Supervise and mentor a team of development officers and support staff.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plans with employer contributions
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Paid time off and holidays
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY:
Clemson University's Advancement Division is looking for a Senior Director of Development & Unit Lead - CECAS to fulfill the duties outlined below.

- Serves as the Senior Director of Development and Team Lead for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) within the Advancement Division while reporting to the Executive Director of Development.
- Provides strategic oversight and leadership for all levels of philanthropic engagement across the College's departments and programs.
- In close partnership with College leadership and the Executive Director, develops and executes fundraising strategies that align with institutional priorities and drive meaningful support.
- Acts as a key liaison between the College and the Advancement Division, fostering collaboration and cultivating strong partnerships across campus fundraising teams.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:
50% - Fundraising:
Manages a dynamic portfolio (150 maximum) of prospects/donors who have the capacity to make a philanthropic major gift. Qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards gifts from college/unit donors, alumni and friends through 160-180 visits annually. Raises a minimum of $5 million on an annual basis with subsequent years' goals determined in conjunction with the Executive Director. Coordinates cultivation, stewardship and donor engagement opportunities/events for assigned donors and the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.10% - Strategic Collaboration and Facilitation:
Utilizes relationships with the Dean and other key leaders to advance the philanthropic strategies and priorities of the College and exceed the annual fundraising goals. Facilitates collaboration with team members across the Advancement division who are essential to the College's fundraising efforts. Participates as a member of the University Development Team's Unit Lead collective.15% - Team Management & Supervision:
Directly supervises a team of development officers and internal support team members. Coaches and mentors them to achieve their fundraising and performance goals/objectives. Leads comprehensive annual planning and performance review procedures with team members. Participates in required
manager/supervisor activities, trainings, etc. as required to successfully oversee the work of direct reports.25% - College Leadership and Engagement:
Establishes strong partnerships with the Dean and strategic leaders within the College. Leads efforts for the unit for the current capital campaign by collaborating with the College and supporting unit/program leadership to develop a philanthropic strategy that advances the key priorities for the campaign and the College's mission. Engages actively with the Dean and college/unit leaders in the cultivation and stewardship efforts of top donors and prospects. Leads efforts to grow the philanthropic pipeline and revenue for the College. Serves as the primary liaison and mission-critical link between the Advancement division and the College and its supporting units/programs.

JOB CODE:
UP17

EMPLOYEE TYPE:
Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements:

  • Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Work Experience: 5+ years of related experience in fundraising, development, sales, alumni engagement.


Preferred Requirements:

  • Work Experience: Higher-education or complex non-profit fundraising with demonstrated ability to close six and seven figure gifts.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Recognize or inspect visually: %Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Overnight travel: 45%

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:
37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range
150,000 - 180,000
Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

JOB LOCATION:
Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
October 9, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [redacted] with any questions or issues.

About Clemson University

Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, South Carolina. It was founded in 1889 and offers over 80 undergraduate and 110 graduate degree programs. Clemson is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities ? Very high research activity" and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Learn more about Clemson University

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