West Region Major Gifts Director

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); Hybrid; USD 144,690 - 176,020; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh University is seeking a Senior Director of Development, West, to lead the Western and Midwest major gifts team and advance philanthropic support across key markets. You will manage a portfolio of 50–75 prospects and personally secure multi-million dollar commitments, reporting to the AVP for Major Gifts.

This role requires extensive travel, remote collaboration with a central team, and the ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling cases for support that align with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Eight+ years of work experience in development roles.
• Experience with external relationships and donor engagement.
• Familiarity with Bay Area philanthropy.
• Ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling cases for support.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Direct, motivate, and oversee Western and Midwest major gifts team operations.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor staff with clear accountability.
• Meet with direct reports to track goals and analyze needs.
• Coordinate across Development and Alumni Relations to leverage staff resources.
• Secure 6- and 7-figure philanthropic commitments from a large portfolio.
• Manage a portfolio of 50–75 prospects with $2M+ capacity.
• Conduct face-to-face donor visits and lead engagement events.
• Engage senior leadership and faculty with tailored proposals.
• Develop and execute strategies aligned with Lehigh's priorities.
• Monitor regional fundraising progress and prospect activity.
• Identify and manage fundraising volunteers for regional efforts.
• Ensure gifts are booked per university policies and handle travel expenses.
• Inform colleagues of developments and manage stewardship for prospects.
• Lead regular meetings and budget for staff training to maintain high performance.

Skills

Prospect discovery

Qualification

Relationship building

Remote work

Driving license

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a related field

Job description

Lehigh University is seeking a Senior Director of Development, West, to lead the Western and Midwest major gifts team and advance philanthropic support across key markets. You will manage a portfolio of 50–75 prospects and personally secure multi-million dollar commitments, reporting to the AVP for Major Gifts.

This role requires extensive travel, remote collaboration with a central team, and the ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling cases for support that align with