Director Development

The University of Akron; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Akron is seeking a Director of Development to lead fundraising across departments, building relationships with alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations. You will identify and steward donors, align interests with opportunities, and travel to engage prospects.

Responsibilities include planning events, managing campaigns, and collaborating with faculty and staff to raise visibility and support for UA. Weekend events and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 4 years of fundraising or alumni relations, or sales/marketing experience.
• Higher education fundraising experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations to increase philanthropic support.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships with short- and long-range plans.
• Pursue donor connections and align donor interests with University opportunities.
• Travel to donors as needed and solicit gifts via meetings, proposals, calls, letters, emails, and events.
• Plan and execute programs and activities to raise the University’s visibility and support.
• Attend work-related events outside traditional hours, including weekends.
• Collaborate with colleagues, faculty, and staff on campaigns and seminars.

Skills

Fundraising

Alumni relations

Donor relations

Communication

Event planning

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Job Summary:Direct the fund-raising activities targeted at individuals, corporations and foundations to broaden the base of funding sources for specific departments/colleges of the University. Responsibly for building relationships with alumni, friends, foundation and corporations to increase philanthropic support. Essential Functions:Understand the mission and needs of The University of Akron and build relationships with alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations to increase philanthropic support.Identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships, implementing short- and long-range strategic plans to guide engagement and meet fundraising goals.Pursue donor connections and capacity, aligning donor interests and passions with opportunities at the University to generate gifts.Travel to donors as needed. Solicit for gifts (and know how to close a gift) via face-to-face meetings, creative proposals, phone calls, letters, emails, and special events—annual metrics that will determine success in the position.Implement and maximize stewardship opportunities to enhance relationships and continue positive momentum.Display exceptional interpersonal skills that help build rapport and trust among a diverse group of donors and colleagues, as well as faculty and staff across the University.Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, especially the ability to write grammatically correct letters, persuasive proposals, endowment descriptions, and case statements.Work with colleagues, faculty, and staff to plan and execute programs and activities that raise the visibility of the University and generate support; responsibilities may include managing college boards, planning special events, and promoting seminars that highlight UA’s areas of expertise.Attend work-related events that occur outside of the traditional workday, including weekends.Understand and efficiently use Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel; knowledge of Adobe products such as Photoshop and InDesign a plus.Additional Position Information: Education: Requires a relevant Bachelor's Degree. Licenses/Certifications/Requirements: Valid driver's license – State of Ohio Experience:Requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in fundraising or alumni relations, or sales and marketing. Alternatively, significant experience working in higher education with demonstrated leadership supporting a college or a dean. Higher education fundraising preferred.Application Instructions:In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume and 3 references.Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.Application Deadline: Review of candidates will begin September 3, 2026.FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):United States of America (Exempt)Union Affiliation (if applicable):For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:Cindy HarmEmail:[e-mail]________________________________________________________________________Background Check StatementThe University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.Non-Discrimination StatementThe University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.State of Residence StatementIt is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.