Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts

University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) is dedicated to soliciting the private funding necessary to support the strategic goals of the University in teaching, learning, and research. The personnel of UDAR work university-wide as well as within individual schools and colleges of the University to discover, motivate, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, faculty, and friends for immediate, long-range, and future financial support, through gifts and pledges to the University, for critical operations such as student aid, faculty support, academic and research program development, and facilities and infrastructure. UDAR’s endeavors raise funds for immediate University use and also for the University’s endowment.

 

The Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts (SDoD, MG) will provide strategic and managerial leadership for a Major Gifts program focused on raising gifts of $100K – $5M for university-wide priorities across NYU. Responsible for progressive, annual fundraising results of $1.5M – $6M based on pipeline and tenure in the role, with a focus on the Eastern Region of the United States. Build and lead a team of experienced major gift fundraisers who are responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding key prospects with the capacity for making 5-, 6-, and 7-figure gifts in support of the University’s philanthropic priorities. Manage an operational budget that includes direct donor related expenses, travel, and other costs associated with a significant Major Gifts program and team management. Develop and lead a team of fundraisers and assign them to specific regions in the United States. Responsible for setting the regional strategy and staffing plan for major gifts, analyzing potential growth opportunities, and tracking progress against goals. Work towards an overall fundraising goal of $10M – $20M for the major gift team on an annual basis. Partner with senior leaders within UDAR and across the University. Foster a collaborative culture of donor interest-based fundraising strategies that will increase the number of qualified prospects that result in gifts in the range of $100K – $5M. Promote a culture of coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement to ensure both fundraising success and the individual professional growth and development of each team member.

 

UDAR encourages work-life integration for our employees, therefore this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Required Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
Required Experience:
7+ years of experience in major gift fundraising/campaign work, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to lead, empower, and mentor a team of experienced fundraising professionals

Demonstrated ability to create and promote a professional work environment that rewards individual and collective success, builds confidence, and promotes diversity in all its forms

Results-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, adapts easily to change, and has strong judgment

Demonstrated success in cultivating productive, collaborative relationships with faculty, Board members, alumni, students, and/or staff within a complex organization

Credibility as a successful high-level fundraiser with a track record of personally identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding seven-figure gifts

Excellent interpersonal skills required to relate to colleagues, donors, volunteers, and senior UDAR and University leadership

Demonstrated ability to consistently exercise diplomacy and discretion

Demonstrated a personal commitment to excellence, as well as an ability to admit mistakes and forgive faults in others

Demonstrated affinity for collaboration, leading through influence, and a high level of emotional intelligence

Demonstrated ability to advancing solutions across a complex organization with professionalism and patience

Ability to travel as required
Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Fundraising in higher education, or other academic environment

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $150,000.00 to USD $190,000.00. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items.
NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/nyugreen.
EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

We can recommend jobs specifically for you!
Click here to get started.