The Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement (PAE) at the University of Pittsburgh is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and stakeholders, supporting the University's mission in education, research, and healthcare. We invite you to become a pivotal part of our team as the Senior Director, Major Gifts.
In this role, you will serve as the integral part within PAE's Individual Giving, Schools and Centers department, reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Individual Giving, University Programs.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead a team of six or more major gifts officers with regional assignments focused on raising gifts of $100K+.
Manage a personal portfolio of major ($100K-$999K) and leadership ($1M-$5M) gift prospects.
Partner with other PAE offices including Prospect Management, Planned Giving, School-based programs, Annual Giving, Strategic Initiatives, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Principal Giving.
Create and manage an annual unit performance plan, including personalized metrics, goals, and gift strategies for individual gift officers and their respective portfolios.
Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate direct reports.
Manage a budget allocation.
Serve as a resource and source of strategic input for Individual Giving leadership.
Coordinate and lead ongoing professional development opportunities for Individual Giving for Schools and Centers’ frontline fundraisers.
Serve as program manager for the division’s program for new frontline fundraisers.
Create strategies to identify next generation donors and develop the donor pipeline.
Collaborate with Prospect Management and other offices to devise and implement strategies for managing rated area-assigned prospects through the major gifts with a focus on discovery.
Collaborate with Individual Giving, Schools and Centers’ leadership team and Advancement Services to develop analytical tools to inform and advance major gift fundraising.
Update the Individual Giving SharePoint documentation Hub by maintaining performance metrics definitions and departmental policies.
Why Join Us?
Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in supporting the University's mission.
Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, innovative, and dynamic team.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Join us in shaping the future of education, research, and healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh!
Job Summary
Develops and executes new programs focused on raising special gifts and manages a portfolio of major gifts prospects. Manages regional fundraising efforts and fosters a University-wide major gift fundraising collaboration. Assists in the identification and prioritization of institutional and departmental funding needs and with the development of technologically sophisticated portfolio and prospect staging tools.
Essential Functions
Uses phone and computer, verbal, and written communications, personal solicitations.
Travels within the United States via airline and automobile (required US Driver's License).
Attends meetings virtually, on-campus, and across the United States.
Manages a staff of assigned gift officers.
Physical Effort
Generally sedentary with occasional travel.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Work Arrangement: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hiring Range: $120,000-$130,000
Relocation_Offered: No
Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
