Northeastern University

Director of Development

About The Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Development and working in close partnership with the Dean, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, the Director of Development is responsible for identifying and implementing strategies for success in securing significant philanthropic support for Bouvé. This is a collaborative effort between the College and University Advancement. The College Dean sets the academic priorities, establishes the case for support for the College, and works with the Director of Development to discover, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors to support the College philanthropically.

The Director of Development also provides service and leadership to the Bouvé community by developing and leading a high performing team of staff, acting as a strategic partner in developing, managing, and sustaining relationships with key partners, and by contributing to the implementation of a strategic vision for a highly effective philanthropy program at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. Serving as a part of College leadership, this role will work collaboratively with the College Dean and Faculty, and central Advancement colleagues to achieve a high level of engagement and financial support from among a cadre of alumni, friends, and parents whose philanthropic priorities match education and academic programs in the College and at Northeastern University.

As a fundraising position, this role has specific dollar and visits goals that are set annually by the Senior Associate Vice President and consultation with the Dean. In support of the Office of Administration and Finance (Bouve), the Office of Financial Aid (university), and the Office of Donor Relations (Advancement), this position has a role in ensuring that donor-funded scholarships are awarded in accordance with instructions/preferences attached to those funds. This position also has a supporting role in ensuring that donor funds restricted for programmatic purposes are expended in accordance with the instructions and restrictions of those programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Highly entrepreneurial, energetic individual with a 7-10 years of progressive development experience, preferably in higher education, the health sciences, and/or biomedical field. Demonstrated ability to plan strategically to carry out the vision, goals, and fundraising aspirations of the College and the University. Evidence of entrepreneurial approaches in engaging prospects and developing a prospect pipeline. Proven success in fundraising at the major and/or principal gifts level (six- and seven-figure gifts). Demonstrated ability to work closely with high-level decision makers and other top-level volunteers. Strong management and leadership experience (minimum 5 years) and skills. Strong interpersonal skills necessary for building relationships with external (donors, prospects, volunteers) and internal (deans, faculty, advancement colleagues, staff) constituents. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Highly collaborative in approach. Ability to travel. Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Identification, Qualification, Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship of Prospects and Donors:

  • Work closely with the Dean and the Senior Associate VP of Development to create and deliver a strategic, multi-faceted development plan for the College, one that translates academic priorities into development opportunities and enables the college to meet annual fund-raising goals.
  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward (alone and in conjunction with the Dean, when necessary) the Dean’s Advisory Group in support of the college’s mission.
  • Manage a select portfolio of 80 major and principal gift prospects ($100K and up).
  • Provide and analyze data and information for the Dean and SAVP to maximize development opportunities and to track progress towards goals.
  • Make strategic use of the Dean's time and efforts to advance key relationships and gift discussions.
  • Travel locally and nationally to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors.
  • Build relationships with existing prospects and donors.
  • Develop a meaningful donor engagement strategy designed to improve donor retention.
  • Maintain records of activities and engagements in SalesForce.


Manage Staff And Resources

  • In partnership with the College Dean, develop and monitor major gift fundraising goals and objectives.
  • Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate (using quarterly metrics) a team of two professionals and one shared support staff, maintaining a keen focus on ideal outcomes of collaboration and continuous improvement in major and leadership gift solicitation.
  • Ensure the development of fundraising strategies for all College major and leadership gift prospects, and oversee the collective execution of these strategies.
  • Oversee the annual operating budget for the office; ensure efficient use of office resources and the completion of timely reports associated with this fiduciary responsibility.


Partner With Central Development

  • Establish strong, collaborative working relationships with central Advancement colleagues to enhance the role and outreach of the College in University fundraising, serve multi-disciplinary initiatives, and ensure standards of professional conduct.
  • Work across disciplinary boundaries with Advancement colleagues at other colleges and centers to maximize solicitation opportunities and donor impact.


Position Type

Advancement

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.
  • Seniority level

    Director
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Other
  • Industries

    Higher Education

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