Director of Development

LSU Foundation; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The LSU Foundation, based in Baton Rouge, LA, seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising strategies, manage a donor portfolio, and secure major, annual, and planned gifts. This full-time on-site role partners with faculty and campus leaders to align philanthropic initiatives with LSU’s priorities.

A commitment to ethical, donor-centered fundraising is essential. The position emphasizes mentoring staff, planning budgets, and representing the Foundation at campus events while advancing

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in fundraising, philanthropy, and donor relationship management.
• Experience with planned giving and annual giving programs, including strategy development and execution.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills related to development operations.
• Proven ability to secure major gifts and manage a diverse portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to groups and tailor messages for different audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with campus leaders, colleagues, and external partners, and to work independently with sound judgment.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related discipline; advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising is strongly preferred, along with a commitment to inclusive, ethical, and donor-centered practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement fundraising strategies to support LSU’s academic priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects; cultivate relationships.
• Secure major, annual, and planned gifts through personal outreach, meetings, events, and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, leadership, and colleagues to identify funding opportunities.
• Set fundraising goals, tracking progress, preparing reports, overseeing budgets related to development activities.
• Mentor staff, representing the Foundation at campus and community events.
• Uphold ethical and inclusive fundraising practices.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Planned giving

Annual giving

Budgeting

Major gifts

Communication

Collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management or related field

CFRE certification (plus)

Job description

Company Description

The LSU Foundation is dedicated to catalyzing transformational philanthropic support that advances Louisiana State University’s mission and impact. Through strategic partnerships with donors and stakeholders, the Foundation focuses on securing resources that strengthen LSU’s academic priorities and long-term growth. Team members collaborate closely with campus leaders to align philanthropic investments with institutional goals. The organization offers a mission-driven environment for professionals who are passionate about higher education, philanthropy, and community impact.

Role Description

The Director of Development is a full-time, on-site role based in Baton Rouge, LA, responsible for leading and implementing fundraising strategies to support LSU’s academic priorities. This position manages a portfolio of donors and prospects, cultivates relationships, and secures major, annual, and planned gifts through personal outreach, meetings, events, and stewardship activities. The Director collaborates with faculty, leadership, and colleagues to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling cases for support, and coordinate philanthropic initiatives. Day-to-day responsibilities include setting fundraising goals, tracking progress, preparing reports, overseeing budgets related to development activities, and ensuring that donor experiences are meaningful and aligned with LSU Foundation standards. The role also involves mentoring staff, representing the Foundation at campus and community events, and upholding ethical and inclusive fundraising practices.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in fundraising, philanthropy, and donor relationship management.


• Experience with planned giving and annual giving programs, including strategy development and execution.


• Strong budgeting and financial management skills related to development operations.


• Proven ability to secure major gifts and manage a diverse portfolio of donors and prospects.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to groups and tailor messages for different audiences.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with campus leaders, colleagues, and external partners, and to work independently with sound judgment.


• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related discipline; advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.


• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising is strongly preferred, along with a commitment to inclusive, ethical, and donor-centered practices.