Head - University Principal Gifts & Endowment Development

Mahindra University; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Mahindra University in Hyderabad seeks a seasoned Head – University Principal Gifts & Endowment Development to drive high-value philanthropic initiatives. You will identify, cultivate and secure major gifts and endowments from alumni, HNIs, corporates, foundations and strategic partners.

You will build a robust donor pipeline, craft compelling proposals, manage relationships, create naming opportunities, and report progress to university leadership while shaping the institution's philanthropic

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Fundraising, or related field.
• 10+ years of fundraising, philanthropy, business development, CSR, or higher education.
• Proven track record securing major gifts, endowments, or high-value partnerships.
• Strong network with HNIs, philanthropists, corporates, foundations, and institutional donors.
• Experience in higher education fundraising preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate high-net-worth individuals, alumni, philanthropists, family offices, corporates and foundations as potential donors.
• Develop and secure major gifts, principal gifts and endowments aligned with the University's priorities.
• Create naming opportunities for buildings, schools, centres, laboratories, scholarships and professorships.
• Build and manage a strong donor pipeline from identification through solicitation and closure.
• Develop compelling funding proposals, donor presentations and customised giving opportunities.
• Build long-term relationships with donors and ensure effective donor stewardship and engagement.
• Develop strategic partnerships with corporates, foundations and philanthropic institutions.
• Track fundraising targets, commitments and outcomes and provide regular updates to University leadership.

Skills

Relationship management

Donor stewardship

Strategic fundraising

Negotiation

HNIs networking

Education

Postgraduate degree in related field

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Head – University Principal Gifts & Endowment Development

Summary:

The Senior Manager – Principal Gifts & Endowment Development will be responsible for developing and executing high-value philanthropic fundraising initiatives for Mahindra University. The role will focus on identifying, cultivating and securing major gifts, endowments and institutional contributions from Alumni’s, high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists, corporates, foundations and other strategic partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and cultivate high-net-worth individuals, Alumni’s, philanthropists, family offices, corporates and foundations as potential donors.
• Develop and secure major gifts, principal gifts and endowments aligned with the University's strategic priorities.
• Create and promote naming opportunities for buildings, schools, centres, laboratories, scholarships, professorships and other initiatives.
• Build and manage a strong prospective donor pipeline from identification through solicitation and closure.
• Develop compelling funding proposals, donor presentations and customised giving opportunities.
• Build long-term relationships with donors and ensure effective donor stewardship and engagement.
• Develop strategic partnerships with corporates, foundations and philanthropic institutions.
• Track fundraising targets, commitments and outcomes and provide regular updates to University leadership.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Postgraduate degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Fundraising, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in fundraising, philanthropy, business development, CSR, strategic partnerships, or higher education.
• Proven track record in securing major gifts, endowments, or high-value partnerships.
• Strong network with HNIs, philanthropists, corporates, foundations, and institutional donors.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, negotiation, and networking skills.
• Experience in higher education or institutional fundraising is preferred.

The ideal candidate who canopen doors to influential individuals and institutions, build trust with potential donors, understand their philanthropic interests, and convert those relationships into significant long-term contributions to the University.