Senior Director of Development

Wesleyan University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Information
Position Information


Job Posting Number S01274
Position Title Senior Director of Development
Department Development Programs-1038
Job Category Staff Posting
Position Type Full-Time
Work Location Hybrid
Pay Type Salaried
Salary Range
$134,500 – $178,900
Compensation Practices
Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers.  For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html
Position Details
Wesleyan University’s Office of Advancement (ADV) builds lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, and engages them in support of Wesleyan’s educational mission and financial goals.
The Advancement team fosters pride in the Wesleyan community and develops support for university initiatives through outreach activities, including development and fundraising, alumni and parent relations, and on- and off-campus events. Wesleyan has just launched the public phase of a $600 million comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Senior Director of Development (SDOD) will play a leading role in our fundraising initiatives managing the front-line fundraising teams. The SDOD will be instrumental in ensuring the Advancement division meets its financial goals through strategic planning, capitalizing on significant cross functional key fundraising levers like reunion, regional and parent giving. The position serves as the AVP’s close partner and strategist on all fundraising matters, managing teams of gift officers to match potential donors with strategic philanthropic priorities. The SDOD ensures seamless coordination of development activities with other functions and operational departments. They plan and execute activities that diversify and sustain financial support from various sources.
Key job responsibilities
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to support the division’s objectives and growth.
  • Work with the Associate VP for Advancement to set annual budgets, monitor development fundraising progress against goals, and ensure financial targets are met.
  • Lead and mentor the development team, setting clear goals and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed and managers to hire, train, and supervise staff.
  • Monitor goals, provide performance feedback and coaching, and support professional development.
  • Lead the fundraising team in developing and implementing strategic solicitation fundraising plans that incorporate a concise definition of goals, targeted audiences, and strategies in line with institution goals.
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of proposals, reports and required materials.
  • Monitor and analyze trends in fundraising and donor behavior, including forecasting, and make strategic recommendations for improving fundraising performance and effectiveness.
  • Prepare regular reports on performance, including revenue, expenses, and return on investment, and provide updates to senior leadership.
  • Identifies, qualifies, cultivates and solicits a select pool of Wesleyan prospects in support of University priorities.
  • Oversee the fundraising lifecycle process from opportunity to gift.
  • Coordinate with a range of other Advancement staff to ensure coordination and strategic engagement necessary for achieving goals across the Division.
  • Manage a budget for fundraising activities and ensure efficient use of resources.
  • Other duties or projects as assigned.


Hybrid work is only considered for residents of MA, VT, NH, ME, CT, RI, or NY. (Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify).
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience and a proven track record in fundraising.
Experience managing a team.
Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate and advance strategic plans that support the activities and contribute to the overall success of the division.
Ability to inspire, mentor, motivate team performance and promote accountability.
Expert written and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings with a variety of audiences.
Excellent communication and team-building skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement persuasive cultivation ideas and techniques and provide critical analysis, using sound judgment with realistic expectations for prospects and donors.
Ability to apply good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to deal with highly confidential alumni, parent, student, family, donor, and prospect information.
Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Demonstrated understanding of the importance of ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with the ability to work as a part of a diverse and collaborative team.
Experience with and knowledge of CRM nonprofit software, donor databases and other fundraising technology to use in their daily job duties.
Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis to inform fundraising strategies.
  • Experience working with senior leadership and board members.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by January 22, 2024 when first review of applications will begin.
Additional Information
All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.
Benefits
Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans. We also offer flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs, as well as access to Wesleyan’s BLS & GLS programs for those who qualify (tuition is waived for up to 2 courses a term; some fees and taxes may apply).
Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html .
Quick Link https://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/10221

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