Executive Director of Major Gifts and Development Strategy

Who we are:

The University of New Haven, founded on the Yale campus in 1920, is a private, coeducational university that has been recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report for academic excellence. Located between New York City and Boston in the shoreline city of West Haven, the University is a diverse and vibrant community of nearly 9,000 students from across the globe. Within its five colleges, students immerse themselves in a transformative, career-focused education across the liberal arts and sciences, fine arts, business, engineering, public safety and public service. More than 100 academic programs are offered, all grounded in a long-standing commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary, project-based learning.

The University of New Haven is seeking a dynamic Executive Director of Major Gifts and Development Strategy to provide strategic leadership to key facets of the University’s Major Gift program and Development services. This is a newly created position reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement. The Executive Director of Major Gifts and Development Strategy will oversee up to five Development Officers, setting performance goals and increasing major gift revenue, while establish fundraising strategies for each School, College and Athletics Department. The position will also work with the Senior Director of Prospect Research and Analysis to maximize prospect qualification, donor engagement and solicitation.

The Executive Director will be a member of the department leadership team and lead the effort to grow the cross-programming efforts of the units and be the creative driver in opening new areas of growth at key engagement points. This position will work closely with the VP and the Associate VP for Principal Gifts to set the department’s fundraising strategy, to develop university-wide fundraising initiatives, and to ensure the achievement of campaign goals.

You will:

• Lead the department’s major giving ($25,000+) fundraising team including corporate and foundation relations and planned giving to develop both short- and long-term strategies to grow fundraising in their assigned schools/colleges. (Target goal is to expand to a $7.5M Major Gift Program).

• Strengthen relationships with assigned prospects, match donor interests with the University’s philanthropic priorities and close gifts with a specific emphasis on major gifts ($25,000+).

• Meet or exceed annual performance goals for substantive activity, dollars raised, and proposals submitted.

• Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 150 prospects. Strengthen relationships with assigned prospects and complete specific actions to qualify, engage, and solicit them.

• Partner with administrators, Deans, faculty, staff and other volunteers to identify and leverage opportunities to engage prospects within the Schools/Colleges. Stay informed about academic programs and initiatives to connect potential prospect interests with the fundraising needs of the Schools/Colleges.

• As the primary development professional supporting the Pompea College of Business (PCOB), this role, in collaboration with the Dean, will develop and drive an ambitious development and campaign plan for the PCOB. In partnership with the Dean, department leaders, faculty and staff, strengthen and grow the PCOB volunteer base including active involvement in advisory boards.

• Partner with administrators, faculty, staff and other volunteers to identify and leverage opportunities to engage prospects within the Schools/Colleges. Stay informed about academic programs and initiatives to connect potential prospect interests with the fundraising needs of the Schools/Colleges.

• Provide leadership in creating a culture of engagement at the University through the growth of existing programs, as well as the creation of new programs.

• Participate as a member of the leadership team and provide consultation to the Vice President for University Advancement.

• Using strong analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities, work collaboratively with the entire Advancement team to further the goals of the department.

• Lead staff in establishing a strong philanthropic-focused and a supportive work environment. Facilitate, develop, and maintain strategically aligned staff work and accountability plans. Design, implement, and evaluate annual performance measures required for successful engagement.

• Oversee fundraising software system (Raiser’s Edge), ensure safety and integrity of database, and work closely with the Business Office and Advancement Services to reconcile records and work with auditors to ensure GAAP.

• Work collaboratively with Advancement Services to ensure the Advancement team has access to available information and data.

You need:

• Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s or higher degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience required with proven success in leadership and management within a fast-paced environment.
• Proven success in working with dynamic teams as a hands-on team player.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to prepare proposals, reports, and correspondence
• Campaign experience desirable
• Emphasis will be placed on candidates with demonstrated analytical, creative, strategic-thinking skills
• Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally (25% to 50% travel) and to work off-hours/weekends as necessary
• Valid driver's license required
• Must be self-motivated with exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Must possess strong customer service and communication skills, both written and verbal

What’s In It for You:

• Health & Welfare Programs: Employees and their eligible family members, including spouses and dependent are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Programs.
• Wellness & Fitness: On-campus Recreation and Fitness Center for employees and families; Employee Assistant Program
• Commitment to Educational Excellence: Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents; Tuition exchange opportunities
• Employee Discounts on products, services and educational opportunities
• Work/Life Benefits: Generous paid time off programs; progressive paid holiday schedule (including holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s); 4 weeks of parental paid leave; flexible work schedules including summer hours where applicable

*The University of New Haven is not a qualifying E-Verify employer and its use of E-Verify is limited to specific government projects. For that reason, candidates with STEM OPT authorization cannot be considered for employment.