Director of Major Giving, New England

Villanova University, United States

Updated: 22 days ago
Location: Villanova, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)


Posting Number: 20243916S
Position Title: Director of Major Giving, New England
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 604 - University Advancement
Position Summary:
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?

  • Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
  • Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
  • We believe that an inclusive community fosters an understanding and appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty, staff and administrators. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to address issues of equity and justice in a variety of ways including workshops, events and employee resource groups
  • Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .


Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we prepare for Villanova’s next comprehensive capital campaign.
Reporting to the Executive Director for Regional Development, the Director of Major Giving for the New England region will develop, implement, and maintain fundraising initiatives for the New England region, with emphasis on Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Director will identify, cultivate, and solicit alumni, parents and friends of the University for major gifts ($100,000 and above); identify and manage senior volunteers; design and conduct prospect cultivation events; and maintain an awareness of relevant Alumni Relations activity in the region. The Director will be responsible for day-to-day management of the New England regional office. The Director will collaborate with other development staff and academic leaders to achieve objectives. This position will be based in or around Boston, MA.
The Director is expected to conduct 10-12 prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 100 prospects per year. The Director will be responsible for managing the activity and success of the New England Regional Campaign Committee. The Director will assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects in conjunction with the Director of Stewardship.
Villanova has regional advancement offices serving the Tri-State Metro, Mid-Atlantic/Southeast, New England, Midwest and West regions to engage alumni throughout our major markets. The Director of Major Giving for New England reports directly to the Executive Director, Regional Development. Villanova University is organized in a semi-decentralized model including College-based development officers and regional officers supported by central services. The Director will be a senior member of the University Advancement Team and will work closely with dedicated volunteers throughout New England.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • (Fundraising) Plans, implements and evaluates a major gifts plan for the New England Region, establishes priorities, activity, and revenue goals, and develops relationships and programs to maximize revenue from Alumni, parents and friends of the University. Successfully creates and manages a major gift portfolio of prospects actively bringing them toward major gift closure. Works closely with members of the central University Advancement staff to develop a comprehensive giving program for the University in the region. Identifies, cultivates and solicits major gift prospects through face-to-face meetings to increase the level of private support.
  • (External Relations) Actively develops relationships with academic leaders and staff to ensure positive internal and external public relations.
  • Supports the University in the New England region by staffing academic leaders, providing briefing materials/strategy assessment, and by organizing donor cultivation activities.
  • Coordinates the management and strategy of regional gift prospects through the central prospect management system, collaborating with school and college-based colleagues where appropriate.
  • Performs additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 7-10 years’ experience in fundraising, with at least 5 years in major gift work required.
  • Proven successful experience in individual fund raising required and in acquiring corporate and foundation funding desired.
  • Commitment to higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission required.
  • Understanding of the University culture and the process for decision making and program development required.
  • Ability and willingness to travel required.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
  • Comfort level working in a team-oriented environment required, but also must be disciplined and results-oriented.
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate with colleagues while working in an off-campus location.
  • Knowledge of general office equipment, including use of laptop computers, required.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • Management experience preferred.
  • Significant major gift experience in a sophisticated, complex environment preferred.
  • Management/supervisory experience preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
This position will work remotely in the New England Region. Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends required.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 02/13/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: K
Job Classification: exempt

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