Senior Director of Major Gifts & Development

C001 New Jersey Institute of Technology; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology is seeking an experienced Executive Director of Development to lead fundraising for major gifts and donor engagement. You will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a strategic portfolio of high-capacity donors and partners, aligning philanthropic opportunities with NJIT priorities.

The role requires a proven track record in securing five- and six-figure gifts, exceptional communication, and the ability to work across university leadership, volunteers, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Experience managing a substantial portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, developing individualized strategies for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts, focusing on five- and six-figure commitments.
• Develop gift strategies aligning donor interests with NJIT priorities.
• Conduct personal visits and meaningful donor interactions to deepen relationships.
• Prepare proposals, briefing materials, and solicitation strategies to secure major gifts.
• Coordinate with university colleagues to move prospects and engage during the fundraising cycle.
• Maintain a disciplined pipeline and progress toward fundraising goals.
• Develop annual and multi-year fundraising plans for assigned portfolios or priorities.
• Document next steps and donor activity accurately in the database.
• Collaborate with major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, and other teams to unify donor engagement.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship management

Strategic planning

Communication

Donor stewardship

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Prospect-management systems

Job description

New Jersey Institute of Technology is seeking an experienced Executive Director of Development to lead fundraising for major gifts and donor engagement. You will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a strategic portfolio of high-capacity donors and partners, aligning philanthropic opportunities with NJIT priorities.

The role requires a proven track record in securing five- and six-figure gifts, exceptional communication, and the ability to work across university leadership, volunteers, and