Syracuse University

Job # 041855

Department Code 21212-2026

Department School of Management

Job Title Senior Director of Development

Location Syracuse, NY

Pay Range $120,000 - $140,000

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S6

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours.

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type Full-time

Campus Syracuse, NY

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

Job Description

The Senior Director of Development will report to the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Engagement within the Whitman School of Management. The candidate will be responsible for discovering, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift and principal gift prospects capable of giving $500,000 plus. They will manage an assigned portfolio of donors, be able to passionately articulate the priorities of the Whitman School, and build relationships with alumni, parents and friends, and internal colleagues within the University.

The Senior Director of Development will assist with implementation and expansion of the Major Gift program, supervise Development staff within the Whitman School, and support the Assistant Dean and Dean’s fundraising activities with high-capacity donors and prospects. Key metrics include number of face-to-face/virtual visits, number and dollar amount of major gift and principal gift solicitations, dollar amount of solicitations closed, and renewing leadership level annual gifts.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Five plus years of fundraising experience, preferably in Higher education.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications and CRM systems.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising including a record of discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors and prospects.
• Interest in managing staff and volunteers.
• A strategic thinker able to develop and successfully execute fundraising plans.
• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to follow through and attention to details, manage multiple priorities.
• Strong verbal and written skills.
• Excel at building relationships internally and externally.
• Must be donor and goal centric.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a complex environment and work independently.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Asst Dean, strategize, develop & execute individual fundraising plans to solicit and secure major & principal gifts from alumni, parents & friends with the capacity to make gifts of $500,000+.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of high-value donors & prospects to maximize giving potential of each donor and prospect.
• Meaningful contact or attempted contact of 100% of portfolio during any 6-month period.
• Develop & manage high-value prospect visits in support of the Asst Dean for Adv & Ext Engagement and Dean.
• Build relationships with Whitman faculty, administrators, & volunteer leadership.
• Discover and qualify suspects for major & principal gift solicitations as well as solicit annual gifts at the leadership annual giving level.
• When working with principal gift prospects, coordinate & collaborate with the Office of Principal Gifts.
• Maintain updated plans & opportunities for assigned portfolio as well as all other activity relative to donors and prospects.
• Report results of all solicitations/gifts in the CITRUS/CRM database including meaningful interactions and ensuring the accuracy of the data entry.
• Serve as a liaison between the Whitman School, Central Development & other partners.
• Travel to meet face to face with donors, prospective donors, and attend donor and prospect events.
• Assist with implementation and continued expansion of Major Gift program in the Whitman School, in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Advancement and External Engagement and Executive Director of Major Gifts, Central.
• Supervise and manage Development Staff.
• Revise objectives, goals, and/or staff plans for achievement as needed.
• Manage and drive Whitman major gift fundraising efforts and individual progress and goals via reports available in Dashboards.
• Represent the Whitman School across campus as needed.
• Project management as needed.
• Work with Assistant Dean and Dean to support volunteer board(s) as needed.
• Work collaboratively with Whitman colleagues, other school, college and unit-based colleagues, and central development office teams including Office of Principal Gifts.
• Attend and participate in Whitman School and central development office meetings, training opportunities, as well as University-wide functions.
• Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions related to this position.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/109347

Job Posting Date 04/21/2025

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category Staff

Message to Applicants

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