Associate Director, Development - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking an Associate Director of Development to drive fundraising efforts and cultivate relationships with key donors. This role involves managing a diverse portfolio of prospects, setting ambitious fundraising goals, and collaborating with various teams to enhance the university's mission. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a strategic mindset, and a passion for education. Join this vibrant team and contribute to impactful initiatives that shape the future of the university and its community.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous retirement savings program

Tuition benefits

Paid time off and observed holidays

Life and accidental death insurance

Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass

Fitness center access

Family Concierge Team support

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to articulate the case for supporting the university's mission.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 125+ leadership annual giving prospects.
• Prepare communications for prospects/donors and track progress in T360.

Skills

Fundraising

Communication Skills

Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

T360 Database

Job description

University Advancement supports Carnegie Mellon University's incredible growth and momentum and the vision of having a transformative impact on society. We do this by building relationships with key constituencies and securing the financial resources the university needs to continue its ascent. As the division grows, we are seeking an Associate Director, Development to join the team. This is an excellent opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and fast-paced work environment.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Development, this role will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects with a specific rated capacity. You will manage a portfolio of prospects and will be expected to travel 10-12 times per year outside of the Pittsburgh region and conduct some prospect meetings locally and virtually.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Setting annual goals for qualifications, cultivation moves, solicitations, gift closures and dollars raised according to standard University Advancement gift officer metrics. 25+ qualifications; 150+ cultivation moves; 30+ solicitations; 12+ gift closures, and $350k+ dollars raised. Tracking and reporting progress on goals; making periodic adjustments with supervisor as needed based on analysis.

• Preparing and sending communications to prospects/donors, such as meeting requests, post-meeting follow-up, written proposals, agreements, stewardship updates, gift recognitions and engagement opportunities.

• Managing and developing a portfolio of 125+ leadership annual giving prospects, with a general rated capacity $50,000-$249,999, primarily through in-person or virtual visits, but also by utilizing email, phone or direct mail. Qualifying prospective donors by identifying capacity and inclination. Determining ongoing relationship activities with prospects. Recommending specific gift designations and levels of support. Identifying those to be involved in cultivation and solicitations. Soliciting multi-year leadership annual giving commitments. Bringing solicitations to closure.

• Stewarding donors and participating in events that recognize donors on campus and in assigned travel areas. Collaborating with Annual Giving team. Occasionally assisting University Advancement with niche fundraising projects, such as reunion class giving and Giving CMU Day.

• Consistently tracking prospect outreach and relationship building efforts through each fundraising stage in T360 database. Producing individual contact reports summarizing each prospect interaction and meeting. Tracking progress of proposals of $10,000 or greater.

• Providing consistent updates to supervisor and related stakeholders as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Passion, excellence, and flexibility are vital qualities within University Advancement. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact and work with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate the ability to:

• Recognize and understand the objectives of the University Advancement division and integrate personal goals with those objectives.

• Initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and alter strategic advancement plans for prospect moves management.

• Articulate the case for supporting the vision/mission/goals of Carnegie Mellon.

• Work under the pressure of deadlines, solicitation and dollar goals.

• Prioritize work and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) to initiate contacts with potential donors; (2) to determine the capacity and inclination of potential donors to make a gift or pledge; (3) to develop and execute appropriate cultivation strategies for prospective donors, including working with advancement colleagues, volunteers, faculty and university leadership; (4) to move prospective donors in a deliberate and timely fashion toward solicitation; (5) to make solicitations when appropriate; (6) to close gifts and pledges in a swift manner; (7) to maintain stewardship contacts with donors.

In addition, you should demonstrate:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Adherence to the highest ethical standards, with an empathetic disposition, perseverance, optimistic and positive attitude, and sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others.

• Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the university's fundraising priorities through developing excellent working relationships with university constituencies.

• Broad knowledge of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets and estates.

• Personal belief in mission, goals and objectives of private higher education.

• Knowledge of the principles of fundraising.

You should be able to travel domestically and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred

• Three to five years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, including direct solicitations of five and six figure gifts from individuals

• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and successfully complete a driver's license verification on an annual basis. Must complete the National Safety Council Defensive Driver Training once every three years

• Successful background check

**Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.**

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insuranceas well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Major Gifts

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

• Statement of Assurance