Director of Development, Frederick Honors College

The University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement (PAE) cultivates relationships with contributors, alumni, and other constituents on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, generating support for teaching, research, and care. See PAE's site for more details: pae.pitt.edu. PAE is seeking a Director of Development (DoD) to join the Individual Giving, Schools and Centers team to serve as the primary liaison between PAE and the David C. Frederick Honors College. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Individual Giving, Schools and Centers, the DoD will oversee all fundraising activities supporting Frederick Honors College and function within university-wide development and alumni relations, leveraging central resources and collaboration. The director will partner closely with the Dean and others within the college on all development, alumni relations and donor stewardship initiatives to develop compelling cases for support for funding priorities and to execute fundraising strategies for these priorities.  A large portion of the director’s time will be spent implementing fundraising strategies by maintaining personal contact with prospects, involving the Dean, faculty, volunteers, and staff as required, and developing and implementing fundraising strategies for qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects for individual major gifts for the school. The director will also work closely with the dean to help manage the college’s Board of Visitors, including periodic presentations to the board regarding alumni relations and fundraising efforts. In this role the director will be accountable for overall development goals, as established; interacting with faculty, staff, development colleagues, volunteers and external constituents to ensure effective coordination of programs, projects and other activities; researching, writing, editing, and overseeing the preparation of persuasive solicitations, proposals, correspondence and other development-related communications as required. The director co-supervises one staff member and will conduct other administrative functions as required by PAE and Frederick Honors College, including a good working knowledge and use of the Affinaquest database. This position requires regular travel and occasional evening and weekend work.

Oversees development of a program, plans, and activities to create and execute a comprehensive development plan achieving new and recurring contributions to a school, foundation, program, and/or group. Manages a portfolio of major gift donors and strategically builds fundraising prospects. Assists leadership in facilitating a comprehensive communications plan and with development strategies.

• Implementing fundraising strategies by maintaining personal contact with prospects, involving the Dean, faculty, volunteers, and staff as required, and developing and implementing fundraising strategies for qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects for individual major gifts for the school
• Work closely with the dean to help manage the college’s Board of Visitors, including periodic presentations to the board regarding alumni relations and fundraising efforts
• Researching, writing, editing, and overseeing the preparation of persuasive solicitations, proposals, correspondence and other development-related communications as required
• Co-supervises one staff member
• Create and implement annual fundraising plan to achieve annual goals

The director must possess and demonstrate a track record of success in closing major gifts ($100K+); initiative and leadership; superior oral and written skills with an ability to persuade; strong organizational and project management skills; and an exceptional ability to communicate with a variety of University alumni, donors, faculty, staff, senior leadership, and friends. Knowledge of and experience working in the higher education environment and the ability to translate that mission in ways that engage and inspire donors and alumni is strongly preferred. Sound judgment, a clear understanding of ethical standards related to development activities, and discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others are mandatory.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally. 

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.

The University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt constituents (employees and students) on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Visit hr.pitt.edu/contact-ohr to learn more.