Director of Development
Overview :
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is seeking a visionary and dynamic Director of Development to lead the university's fundraising and external relations efforts. This key executive will build and deepen a robust prospect pipeline to support the university's ambitious goals for the next decade, focusing on expanding and enhancing the major gifts program. The Director will work closely with senior leadership, trustees, faculty, and staff to advance the university's mission and strengthen its financial foundation through strategic relationships with donors, alumni, and other external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities :
- Strategic Leadership & Vision :
Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of Harrisburg University's comprehensive fundraising strategy with a primary focus on securing major gifts and cultivating long-term donor relationships.
Develop and drive a ten-year development strategy that ensures HU's sustainability, growth, and leadership in innovation and higher education.Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate fundraising efforts into the university's broader strategic vision, aligning with institutional priorities and future needs.Establish and track measurable goals to assess progress and adjust tactics to maintain forward momentum in development activities.Prospect Pipeline Development :Build and maintain a strong, diversified, and sustainable pipeline of prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities, with a focus on major gifts.
Engage in comprehensive prospect research and identification to ensure high-impact fundraising opportunities are capitalized on over the next decade.Foster relationships with new prospects while deepening relationships with existing donors and alumni to ensure ongoing engagement and commitment.Major Gifts Program Leadership :Oversee and enhance the university's major gifts program to secure six- and seven-figure gifts that support institutional priorities, including scholarships, research, academic programs, and infrastructure development.
Personally manage a portfolio of high-net-worth prospects, cultivating and soliciting major gifts.Work with senior leadership to engage the university's most influential donors, ensuring deep and sustained involvement through tailored stewardship and engagement strategies.Donor Engagement & Stewardship :Develop and implement strategies for donor recognition and stewardship to ensure continued loyalty and investment in the university.
Lead the development of high-impact, personalized communications and events to keep donors informed, appreciated, and engaged in the life of the university.Partner with the university's leadership and faculty to showcase the impact of philanthropy and ensure donors feel connected to the outcomes of their contributions.Team Leadership & Development :Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing development team focused on achieving annual and long-term fundraising goals.
Cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability within the development office, fostering professional growth for team members through training, support, and feedback.Partner with university leadership and faculty to foster a campus-wide culture of philanthropy.Collaboration with Key Stakeholders :Work closely with the President, Board of Trustees, faculty, and other university leadership to ensure that development priorities align with institutional needs and that key leadership is appropriately engaged in fundraising efforts.
Serve as a key representative of Harrisburg University in the broader community, promoting its mission and impact to key stakeholders, including corporate partners, foundations, and government entities.Data-Driven Decision Making :Ensure that development activities are informed by data and analytics, using insights to optimize strategies and ensure return on investment.
Leverage CRM tools and reporting systems to track donor engagement and progress toward fundraising goals.Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.Experience :At least 10 years of experience in development and fundraising, with a proven track record in major gift solicitation and donor relations.
Significant experience leading a development team and managing senior-level relationships with donors, board members, and institutional leadership.Demonstrated success in building and sustaining a major gifts program, preferably within higher education or nonprofit sectors.Skills and Competencies :Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with a wide range of stakeholders.
Strong strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, with the ability to implement complex, long-term fundraising strategies.Proven ability to cultivate relationships and secure high-level gifts.Skilled in using CRM tools and fundraising analytics to drive strategy.Passion for Harrisburg University's mission and commitment to advancing the university's long-term goals.
