Director of Development

Hofstra University; Town of Hempstead (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hofstra University seeks a dynamic Director of Development to advance philanthropic priorities by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. The role reports to the Associate VP for Development and builds a portfolio of alumni, parents, and friends capable of making significant investments.

The Director will work across units to build relationships, serve as the primary liaison to a College or priority, and develop fundraising strategies to secure major gifts for scholarships, research, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related professional experience.
• Ability to travel 25-40% of the time, with occasional evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant gifts, investments, or business opportunities.
• Proven experience in successfully securing gifts of $100,000 or more from individual donors.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Actively manages a portfolio of approximately 75–100 constituents, with a focus on securing gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Develops and implements individualized strategies to maximize philanthropic support and ensure timely stewardship and recognition of donors.
• Conducts a minimum of 120 substantive prospect visits and meaningful donor engagements annually.
• Prepares and presents funding opportunities through gift proposals and white papers.
• Solicits outright gifts, multi-year pledges, planned gift commitments, and blended gifts as appropriate.
• Maintains active communication with donors and prospects through email, virtual visits, in person visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence.
• Builds partnerships with academic leaders, faculty, administrators, and advancement colleagues to identify opportunities.
• Collaborates with colleagues across Development to coordinate donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Represents Hofstra University at events, meetings, and programs on and off campus.
• Maintains accurate records of donor interactions in the CRM system.
• Mentors Associate Directors of Development.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor Cultivation

Major Gifts

Portfolio Management

Travel 25-40%

Mentorship

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Hofstra

Hofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Island’s largest private university located in Hempstead, N.Y. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well‑being of our students, and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether it’s a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Enjoy the ease of going to the fitness center, taking a swim, or grabbing a bite to eat without having to leave our beautiful campus! Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.

Position Title

Director of Development

Position Number

896278, 896277

Position Category

Administration

School/Division

Office of Vice Pres. of Development (division)

Full-Time or Part-Time

Full-Time

Description

Hofstra University seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Director of Development to advance the University’s philanthropic priorities through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the Director of Development serves as a key member of the Development and Alumni Affairs team and is responsible for building a portfolio of alumni, parents, and friends capable of making significant philanthropic investments in support of Hofstra University’s mission and strategic goals.

The Director of Development will work across academic and administrative units to build meaningful relationships with donors and prospects, while also serving as the primary development liaison to an assigned College, School, or strategic priority.

They will develop comprehensive fundraising strategies and secure major gifts that strengthen the University’s programs, scholarships, research initiatives, capital priorities, and other institutional needs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Actively manages a portfolio of approximately 75–100 constituents, with a focus on securing gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Develops and implements individualized strategies to maximize philanthropic support and ensure timely stewardship and recognition of donors.
• Conducts a minimum of 120 substantive prospect visits and meaningful donor engagements annually.
• Prepares and presents compelling funding opportunities, aligned with donor interests and University priorities, through gift proposals and white papers.
• Solicits outright gifts, multi-year pledges, planned gift commitments, and blended gifts as appropriate.
• Maintains active communication and engagement with donors and prospects through email, virtual visits, in person visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence.
• Builds productive partnerships with academic leaders, faculty, administrators, and advancement colleagues to identify and develop philanthropic opportunities.
• Collaborates with colleagues across Development and Alumni Affairs to coordinate donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Serves as a trusted liaison between donors and the University, ensuring a positive and meaningful donor experience.
• Engages volunteers, advisory board members, alumni leaders, and other stakeholders in support of fundraising efforts.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes in the University’s constituent relationship management system.
• Represents Hofstra University at events, meetings, and programs on and off campus.
• Continuously improves professional skills and remains current on fundraising best practices, higher education trends, and CASE standards.
• Serves as a mentor to Associate Directors of Development.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of Development and Alumni Affairs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related professional experience required.
• Ability to travel 25-40% of the time, with occasional evenings and weekends required.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant gifts, investments, or business opportunities.
• Proven experience in successfully securing gifts of $100,000 or more from individual donors.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• A strong work ethic, commitment to high performance and teamwork, and a proven ability and desire to reach aggressive goals.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and senior leadership.
• Serves as a mentor to junior fundraising staff, providing guidance, coaching, and support to foster professional growth and fundraising success.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound professional judgment.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Date Posted

07/16/2026

EEO Statement

Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary/Salary Range

$130,000-$140,000