Director of Development, School of Computing and Information

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 seeks a Director of Development (DoD) to join the Individual Giving Schools and Centers team as the primary liaison between PAE and the School of Computing and Information. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Individual Giving Schools and Centers, the DoD will oversee all fundraising activities supporting the School of Computing and Information (SCI) 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 SCI on all development, alumni relations, and donor stewardship initiatives. A significant 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 individual major gifts prospects for the school. The director will also work closely with the dean to identify and develop compelling cases for support for funding priorities and help manage the college’s Board of Visitors, including periodic presentations to the board regarding alumni relations and fundraising efforts.

Other responsibilities include creating plans to achieve short and long-term development goals; interacting with faculty, staff, development colleagues, volunteers, and other external constituents to ensure effective coordination of programs, projects, and other activities; researching, writing, editing, and overseeing the preparation of persuasive annual giving and day of giving materials, solicitations, proposals, correspondence, and other development-related communications as required. The director will conduct other administrative functions as required by PAE and the School of Computing and Information, including developing a good working knowledge and using the Affinaquest database. 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. This position requires some 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.

Create and implement fundraising strategies by maintaining personal contact with prospects, involving the Dean, faculty, volunteers, and staff as required. 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. Research, write, edit, and oversee the preparation of persuasive annual giving and day of giving materials, solicitations, proposals, correspondence, and other development-related communications as required. Create and implement donor relations and stewardship activities for the school. Create and implement alumni engagement activities and events for the school.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally. Must be able to travel to different locations. 

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.