National University is hiring a Director, Development to lead and execute our fundraising programs. You will manage the annual fund, major gift development, and donor pipeline operations, translating leadership strategy into actionable plans. This role oversees a team and a personal portfolio of major gift prospects to build sustainable philanthropic support for the university.
What You'll Do
- Collaborate with the AVP to develop and implement fundraising programs and strategies that build a strong, sustainable philanthropic pipeline.
- Provide leadership for annual giving, planned giving, and key fundraising campaigns, including multi-channel appeals and targeted initiatives.
- Lead and execute annual giving campaigns and major-gift-focused mini-campaigns aligned with institutional priorities.
- Lead and manage the University’s donor lifecycle process, including prospect assignment, tracking, and movement through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages.
- Create a consistent rhythm of donor strategy meetings, portfolio reviews, and action tracking across the team.
- Provide coaching and guidance to development staff on donor engagement and moves management best practices.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions in the CRM.
- Supervise and collaborate closely with the Development Database Specialist to ensure accurate gift processing, reconciliation, reporting, and CRM data integrity.
- Ensure timely preparation of donor lists, reports, dashboards, and analysis required for appeals, campaigns, events, and stewardship.
- Monitor fundraising metrics, pipeline health, and performance benchmarks for frontline fundraisers.
- Oversee the development of stewardship plans for annual fund donors, leadership donors, and major donors.
- Review and support the creation of donor impact reports, acknowledgment letters, event communications, and stewardship updates.
- Translate the AVP’s advancement priorities into actionable fundraising plans and coordinated internal workflows.
- Provide regular updates to the AVP regarding fundraising progress, opportunities, challenges, and resource needs.
- Work with academic leaders, enrollment partners, and community relations staff to align fundraising efforts with broader institutional goals.
- Participate in planning donor events, outreach activities, and strategic engagement opportunities.
- Supervise and mentor a team of development staff including the Development Database Specialist, and private grants contractor.
- Conduct performance reviews, establish clear goals, and support professional development.
- Foster an accountable, collaborative, and donor-centered team culture.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit leadership, business, communications, or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, or strategic development.
- Minimum of five (5) years of leading major or principal gift functions.
- Experience designing and implementing fundraising strategies, multi-year development plans, or campaign initiatives.
- Proven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Demonstrated success leading or supervising high-performing fundraising teams.
- Deep expertise in advancement strategy, donor pipeline management, and annual fund campaigns.
- Strong strategic and financial acumen, including revenue forecasting, ROI analysis, opportunity assessment, and long-term planning.
- Advanced communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives, faculty, donors, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and inspire fundraising staff.
- Proficiency with CRM platforms and fundraising analytics tools (Raiser’s Edge or comparable).
- Ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Demonstrated commitment to institutional values including belonging, innovation, and community impact.
- High level of professional integrity, discretion, judgment, and emotional intelligence.
Nice to Have
- Master’s degree.
- Leadership experience.
- Experience in higher education.
- Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise.
Technical Stack
- CRM platforms, Raiser’s Edge or comparable fundraising analytics tools.
Team & Environment
You will lead a team including a Development Database Specialist and a private grants contractor, supervising and mentoring development staff. You will report to the Associate Vice President of Advancement & Community Relations.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $78,496.00 - $105,974.00.
- Holistic total rewards package with comprehensive well-being benefits for employee and family. Visit benefits.nu.edu for full details.
Work Mode
This is a remote position open to candidates within the USA.
National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws.
