Director of Development

Director of Development

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 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042478
Department Code  | 21814-3009
Department  | Arts & Sciences-Advancement
Job Title  | Director of Development
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range  | $90,000 - $112,000
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S5
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Advancement for Arts and Sciences the Director of Development (DoD) serves as a major gift fundraiser responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and donors. This individual will focus on building a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends by creating and implementing strategies for cultivating and soliciting prospects who have the capacity and inclination to make gifts/commitments of $100,000 or more. The DoD will engage and meet with prospects in person and virtually.

Key metrics for this position will include face-to-face/virtual visits, number and dollar amount of major and annual gift solicitations, and increased Arts and Sciences alumni giving participation.
Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of three years fundraising experience, in Higher Education preferred. Ability to travel nationally Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications, and CRM systems. Valid driver’s license required.
Skills and Knowledge  | Experience in qualifying prospects and soliciting major gifts while managing all stages of the relationship. Exceptional relationship building skills with internal and external constituents. Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate the case for support. Attention to detail and ability to follow through. Flexibility and the ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing environment and manage multiple priorities. Goal driven team player but also capable of working independently. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities  | Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and existing major gift donors with the capacity to make gifts/commitments of $100,000 plus. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors. Meaningful contact or attempted contact of 100% of portfolio during any six-month period. Develop and drive fundraising strategies designed to maximize current giving potential for each prospect including leadership annual gift solicitations. Communicate with donors on a regular basis through email, virtual visits, face-to-face visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence. Creatively and meaningfully engage donors with Arts and Sciences through curated campus experiences, events and gatherings in their communities. Build fluency about the College of Arts and Sciences and its key programs and priorities by developing and maintaining relationships with its faculty, staff and students. Travel regularly to assigned territories and regions to conduct discovery, cultivation and solicitation meetings with alumni, parents and friends of the College. Report results of all gifts/solicitation efforts in the CITRUS/CRM database and to the Assistant Dean for Advancement. Develop and keep updated plans and opportunities. Ensure the accuracy and timely entry of all information and records. In collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Advancement, work strategically and collaboratively with central AEA offices, including Advancement Services, Prospect Development and Analytics, Philanthropic Engagement, Gift Planning, Regional Development, and Alumni Engagement to increase giving, participation and engagement, and to meet personal and unit fundraising goals. As appropriate secure and staff visits for College and University leadership and faculty and communicate meeting strategies through written briefings and pre-visit briefing meetings or calls. Assist with the development and execution of campus and regional events and meetings. Continually improve professional skills, knowledge, and understanding of by developing relationships with colleagues across campus, attending campus events and activities, and participating in training activities Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions related to this position. Support the assistant dean as needed on special projects.

Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111969
Job Posting Date  | 12/19/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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