Description

ofstra University seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Director of Development to advance the University's philanthropic priorities through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the Director of Development serves as a key member of the Development and Alumni Affairs team and is responsible for building a portfolio of alumni, parents, and friends capable of making significant philanthropic investments in support of Hofstra University's mission and strategic goals.

The Director of Development will work across academic and administrative units to build meaningful relationships with donors and prospects, while also serving as the primary development liaison to an assigned College, School, or strategic priority. They will develop comprehensive fundraising strategies and secure major gifts that strengthen the University's programs, scholarships, research initiatives, capital priorities, and other institutional needs.

Requirements

Major Gift Fundraising

Actively manage a portfolio of approximately 75–100 constituents, with a focus on securing gifts of $100,000 and above.
Develop and implement individualized strategies to maximize philanthropic support and ensure timely stewardship and recognition of donors.
Conduct a minimum of 120 substantive prospect visits and meaningful donor engagements annually.
Prepare and present compelling funding opportunities, aligned with donor interests and University priorities, through gift proposals and white papers.
Solicit outright gifts, multi-year pledges, planned gift commitments, and blended gifts as appropriate.
Maintain active communication and engagement with donors and prospects through email, virtual visits, in person visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence.

Strategic Relationship Management

Build productive partnerships with academic leaders, faculty, administrators, and advancement colleagues to identify and develop philanthropic opportunities.
Collaborate with colleagues across Development and Alumni Affairs to coordinate donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
Serve as a trusted liaison between donors and the University, ensuring a positive and meaningful donor experience.
Engage volunteers, advisory board members, alumni leaders, and other stakeholders in support of fundraising efforts.
Maintain accurate and complete records of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes in the University's constituent relationship management system.

Institutional Engagement

Represent Hofstra University at events, meetings, and programs on and off campus.
Continuously improve professional skills and remain current on fundraising best practices, higher education trends, and CASE standards.
Serve as a mentor to Associate Directors of Development.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of Development and Alumni Affairs.

achelor's degree required.
3-5+ years experience
Ability to travel 25-40% of the time, with occasional evenings and weekends required.
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible fundraising, sales, or related relationship-management experience.
Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant gifts, investments, or business opportunities.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
        A strong work ethic, commitment to high performance and teamwork, and a proven ability and desire to reach aggressive goals.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and senior leadership.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound professional judgment.
Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
Valid driver’s license is required.
 

Preferred

Experience in higher education advancement or a related nonprofit environment.
Demonstrated success securing major gifts of $100,000 or more.
Familiarity with constituent relationship management systems and fundraising analytics.
  

Core Competencies

Major Gift Fundraising
Donor and Prospect Strategy
Relationship Building
Strategic Thinking
Communication and Influence
Collaboration and Teamwork
Project Management
Ethical Practice and Professional Integrity
 

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Development and serves as an individual contributor with no direct supervisory responsibilities.

https://hofstra.peopleadmin.com/postings/7592