Associate Director, NY Region

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); Remote; USD 82,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking an Associate Director in Development and Alumni Relations to manage relationships with major gift donors and cultivate new prospects. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree, 5-8 years of related experience, and proven fundraising track record. This full-time position offers competitive compensation, fully remote work eligibility, and a commitment to a diverse community.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in a development position with established external relationships.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts.
• Knowledge of donor cultivation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
• Cultivate relationships and progress prospects through the gift cycle.
• Write proposals and grant applications.

Skills

Relationship-building

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

Fundraising principles knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Tools

Donor database management

Job description

Job no: 503609
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem, Fully Remote
Categories: Development/ Alumni Relations

Join Lehigh University's vibrant community where innovation meets tradition! As a top-tier research university nestled in Pennsylvania's beautiful Lehigh Valley, we're seeking a dynamic Associate Director to advance our mission of developing tomorrow's leaders.

Position Number: S80890

This position is a Grade: 11 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $82,670 - $100,570 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

As Associate Director in Development and Alumni Relations, you'll cultivate meaningful relationships with major gift donors who share our passion for excellence. You'll manage a diverse portfolio of donors and prospects, guiding them through the complete gift cycle—from initial contact through solicitation and stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio of major gift donors and prospective donors
• Cultivate relationships and move prospects through the gift cycle
• Conduct strategic solicitations and negotiate gift agreements
• Write compelling proposals and grant applications
• Develop comprehensive stewardship strategies for donor retention
• Collaborate with volunteers, university leadership, and cross-functional teams
• Travel regionally/nationally to meet with prospects and donors
• Maintain accurate records in donor database systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five to eight years related work experience in a development position in which external relationships have been strongly established.
• Proven track record securing major gifts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and donor cultivation strategies
• Experience with donor database management preferred

Located between New York City and Philadelphia, our stunning campus offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and exceptional professional development opportunities. Join passionate colleagues dedicated to connecting alumni and friends with transformational opportunities supporting student success and groundbreaking research. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Help build lasting relationships that fuel Lehigh's continued excellence. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

• This position may be eligible for a fully remote work arrangement pending University approval; remote work opportunities for non contract positions are only offered within the United States
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Extensive travel required
• This position is responsible for driving university-owned vehicles as a routine function, therefore a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is required

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: October 09, 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled