Senior Director of Development & Unit Lead - CECAS

Clemson University; Clemson, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University’s Advancement Division seeks a Senior Director of Development & Unit Lead for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS). You will oversee fundraising strategy, manage a portfolio of donors, and collaborate with college leadership to advance institutional priorities.

You will lead a team of development professionals, guide annual planning and performance reviews, and coordinate across campus to grow the philanthropic pipeline and secure major gifts in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years of fundraising or development experience.
• Higher-education or complex non-profit fundraising experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of donors; qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward gifts.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies with college leadership.
• Directly supervise development officers and support staff.
• Collaborate with college leaders to advance campaign priorities and grow the philanthropic pipeline.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relationship management

Strategic planning

Alumni engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

**JOB SUMMARY:**Clemson University's Advancement Division is looking for a Senior Director of Development & Unit Lead - CECAS to fulfill the duties outlined below. - Serves as the Senior Director of Development and Team Lead for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) within the Advancement Division while reporting to the Executive Director of Development. - Provides strategic oversight and leadership for all levels of philanthropic engagement across the College's departments and programs. - In close partnership with College leadership and the Executive Director, develops and executes fundraising strategies that align with institutional priorities and drive meaningful support. - Acts as a key liaison between the College and the Advancement Division, fostering collaboration and cultivating strong partnerships across campus fundraising teams. - Performs additional duties as assigned.**JOB DUTIES:**50% - Fundraising: Manages a dynamic portfolio (150 maximum) of prospects/donors who have the capacity to make a philanthropic major gift. Qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards gifts from college/unit donors, alumni and friends through 160-180 visits annually. Raises a minimum of $5 million on an annual basis with subsequent years' goals determined in conjunction with the Executive Director. Coordinates cultivation, stewardship and donor engagement opportunities/events for assigned donors and the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.10% - Strategic Collaboration and Facilitation: Utilizes relationships with the Dean and other key leaders to advance the philanthropic strategies and priorities of the College and exceed the annual fundraising goals. Facilitates collaboration with team members across the Advancement division who are essential to the College's fundraising efforts. Participates as a member of the University Development Team's Unit Lead collective.15% - Team Management & Supervision: Directly supervises a team of development officers and internal support team members. Coaches and mentors them to achieve their fundraising and performance goals/objectives. Leads comprehensive annual planning and performance review procedures with team members. Participates in required manager/supervisor activities, trainings, etc. as required to successfully oversee the work of direct reports.25% - College Leadership and Engagement: Establishes strong partnerships with the Dean and strategic leaders within the College. Leads efforts for the unit for the current capital campaign by collaborating with the College and supporting unit/program leadership to develop a philanthropic strategy that advances the key priorities for the campaign and the College's mission. Engages actively with the Dean and college/unit leaders in the cultivation and stewardship efforts of top donors and prospects. Leads efforts to grow the philanthropic pipeline and revenue for the College. Serves as the primary liaison and mission-critical link between the Advancement division and the College and its supporting units/programs.**JOB CODE:**UP17**EMPLOYEE TYPE:**Regular FTE Staff **Minimum Requirements:** * *Education:* Bachelor's Degree* *Work Experience:* 5+ years of related experience in fundraising, development, sales, alumni engagement. **Preferred Requirements:** * *Work Experience:* Higher-education or complex non-profit fundraising with demonstrated ability to close six and seven figure gifts. **RESPONSIBILITIES:**JOB KNOWLEDGESUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESBUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:**Recognize or inspect visually: %Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %**WORKING CONDITIONS:**Overnight travel: 45%**WORK SCHEDULE:**Standard Hours:37.5**COMPENSATION INFORMATION:**Expected Salary Range150,000 - 180,000Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.**ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:****JOB LOCATION:**Clemson, SC**APPLICATION DEADLINE:**October 9, 2026**MILITARY AND VETERAN:****Military Equivalency**: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties. **Veteran Preference:** South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.**CLOSING STATEMENT:**Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.