VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
Director of Development
Villanova University is seeking an experienced fundraising leader to drive philanthropic growth and oversee a high‑performing development team.
Position Summary The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director of Annual Giving and is responsible for driving personal fundraising and managing a leadership and major gift portfolio. The role includes mentoring a team of development officers, establishing clear fundraising goals, and collaborating across campus to advance institutional priorities.
Responsibilities
Frontline Fundraising: Identify and manage a portfolio of 100‑125 prospects rated $100K+. Conduct 8‑10 prospect visits per month, build relationships, and secure multi‑year commitments at the five‑ and six‑figure level.
Staff Management: Lead the Leadership Annual Giving team of four Development Officers and a Young Alumni Officer, hiring, training, and monitoring performance while coaching on best practices.
Annual Giving Campaign Committee: Liaise with the committee to support identification, cultivation, and stewardship of prospects.
Strategy & Collaboration: Align donor interests with institutional priorities, develop and execute fundraising strategies, and strengthen donor pipelines.
Blackbaud FPM: Use Blackbaud’s FPM software to evaluate prospects, train staff, and coordinate training with Blackbaud consultants.
Additional Duties: Assist with special projects and events such as Homecoming, Reunion weekend activities, and 1842 Day.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
5‑7 years of successful frontline fundraising experience (professional sales experience may be considered).
Experience with leadership‑level donors.
Knowledge of annual giving strategies, donor pipeline development, and multi‑year commitments.
Commitment to higher education and to Villanova’s mission.
Understanding of university culture and decision‑making.
Willingness to travel.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams.
Results‑oriented with strategic planning and goal‑setting skills.
Ability to work independently managing a portfolio while contributing to team success.
Knowledge of general office equipment and laptop use.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree preferred.
Management experience preferred.
Additional Information Villanova is an equal‑opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Summary The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director of Annual Giving and is responsible for driving personal fundraising and managing a leadership and major gift portfolio. The role includes mentoring a team of development officers, establishing clear fundraising goals, and collaborating across campus to advance institutional priorities.
Responsibilities
Frontline Fundraising: Identify and manage a portfolio of 100‑125 prospects rated $100K+. Conduct 8‑10 prospect visits per month, build relationships, and secure multi‑year commitments at the five‑ and six‑figure level.
Staff Management: Lead the Leadership Annual Giving team of four Development Officers and a Young Alumni Officer, hiring, training, and monitoring performance while coaching on best practices.
Annual Giving Campaign Committee: Liaise with the committee to support identification, cultivation, and stewardship of prospects.
Strategy & Collaboration: Align donor interests with institutional priorities, develop and execute fundraising strategies, and strengthen donor pipelines.
Blackbaud FPM: Use Blackbaud’s FPM software to evaluate prospects, train staff, and coordinate training with Blackbaud consultants.
Additional Duties: Assist with special projects and events such as Homecoming, Reunion weekend activities, and 1842 Day.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
5‑7 years of successful frontline fundraising experience (professional sales experience may be considered).
Experience with leadership‑level donors.
Knowledge of annual giving strategies, donor pipeline development, and multi‑year commitments.
Commitment to higher education and to Villanova’s mission.
Understanding of university culture and decision‑making.
Willingness to travel.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams.
Results‑oriented with strategic planning and goal‑setting skills.
Ability to work independently managing a portfolio while contributing to team success.
Knowledge of general office equipment and laptop use.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree preferred.
Management experience preferred.
Additional Information Villanova is an equal‑opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr