Office of Endowment & Resources Development Director

Zayed University; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Housing allowance

Annual airline tickets

Educational subsidies

Healthcare for employee and family

Job summary

Zayed University seeks a strategic leader to direct Endowment and Resources Development, shaping campaigns, partnerships, and donor programs to secure long-term funding for the university.

The role requires an advanced degree and extensive leadership experience, with a track record in fundraising, budget management, and building stakeholder relationships to support academic, research, and innovation priorities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 15+ years experience and 10+ years in a managerial position.
• PhD with 13+ years experience and 8+ years in a managerial position.
• Certification in a relevant field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor the Department's strategy aligned with the university objectives.
• Oversee budgeting and ensure adherence to approved plans.
• Lead fundraising campaigns and donor programmes.
• Direct the development of long-term endowment strategies.
• Set performance objectives and conduct mid-year and year-end reviews.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budget oversight

Fundraising

Donor relations

Leadership

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Certification in relevant field

Job description

The Opportunity

The incumbent is responsible for directing Endowment and Resources Development related activities, including the management of Endowment and Resources Development strategies, fundraising campaigns, and donor programmes, to ensure long-term financial sustainability, institutional resilience, and alignment with the University’s academic, research, innovative objectives and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial

• Lead the development and monitor the execution of the Department's strategy and align with ZU's strategic objectives, ensuring effective and efficient achievement of departmental operations.
• Oversee the Department’s performance through defined KPIs and targets and continuously identify and recommend improvements to support the realisation of ZU's strategy.
• Direct the allocation of budget across the Department and ensure full adherence to approved plans and rectify any deviations in a timely manner.
• Provide the relevant organisational unit with consolidated budget input as required, ensuring that the Department’s requirements are appropriately addressed in the overall budget planning process.

Operational

• Direct the development and implementation of long-term Endowment and Resources Development strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability and institutional resilience of the university.
• Direct the design and implementation of resources development initiatives to attract external funding through grants, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic contributions, while ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic priorities.
• Lead the development of engagement programmes, targeted fundraising campaigns, and stewardship initiatives to strengthen alumni and donor relations.
• Lead the strategic collaboration with Alumni Affairs to ensure that stewardship initiatives result in long-term commitment and secure sustained financial support.
• Lead the establishment and expansion of corporate collaborations to secure financial resources, sponsorships, and research funding, while ensuring alignment with the university’s academic, research, and innovation objectives.
• Direct fundraising and capital campaign efforts to support the university’s infrastructure, scholarships, faculty research, and student development initiatives.
• Lead initiatives related to cultivating a culture of philanthropy across the university community, while ensuring the effective engagement of faculty, staff, and students in resource development efforts, and promoting awareness of giving opportunities.
• Lead the financial performance related to endowment of funds and resources development activities to ensure effective resource allocation, maximise returns, and support the university’s long-term financial objectives.
• Perform ad-hoc activities related to the job duties, as requested by the Direct Supervisor.

People Management

• Review consolidated workforce planning reports, talent acquisition strategies, and budgets at the Department level to ensure adequate staffing for optimal operational smoothness and submit to the appropriate authority for final approval.
• Set performance management objectives for all reportees and perform mid-year and year-end performance reviews.
• Identify talent for pivotal roles from a succession management standpoint to ensure business continuity.
• Provide guidance to reporting managers on people management matters.
• Manage organizational units within the Department and ensure effective leadership to adequately manage human capital.

The Requirements

• Master's degree with a minimum of 15 years of experience and at least 10 years in a managerial position.
• PhD with a minimum of 13 years of experience and at least 8 years in a managerial position.
• Certification in a relevant field is preferred.

The Benefits

The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., cash housing, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.