Executive Director of Development, Pitt Business

PAE-University Development - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26001016)

Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is an integrated, centralized organization in service to this bold, vibrant academic and clinical community, supporting scholarship, teaching, research, and care. Our focus is on building relationships and maintaining a strong network of contributors, alumni, and constituents in order to increase philanthropy, enrich the community, and enable groundbreaking research and academic achievement. Our collaborative approach ensures the work we support remains innovative and advances our community’s success-driven priorities.

The Executive Director of Development for Pitt Business is responsible for leading efforts across the school to maximize fundraising performance and strengthen alumni engagement, driving short-term outcomes and long-term, sustainable success. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Individual Giving, Schools and Centers, and working closely with the dean and other leaders within Pitt Business, this role requires a strategic relationship builder who can translate academic excellence into compelling philanthropic opportunities while managing complex stakeholder relationships.

As the school's chief development officer, a large portion of time is spent implementing fundraising strategies for qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects for individual major gifts by maintaining personal contact with prospects, involving the Dean, faculty, volunteers, and staff as required. The Executive Director ensures effective coordination of departmental programs and activities, and oversees the preparation of persuasive solicitations, proposals, correspondence, and other development-related communications as required. In close collaboration with the dean, the Executive Director helps manage the school’s Board of Visitors, including periodic presentations to the board on alumni relations and fundraising.

The Executive Director manages the school’s director of development, major gift officer(s), and other direct reports to help them achieve their individual and collective goals. Working within university-wide development and alumni relations, leveraging central resources and collaboration, the ED also performs other administrative functions as required.

This position operates with significant autonomy and requires the ability to balance competing priorities. The Executive Director must possess and demonstrate a track record of success in closing six and seven-figure gifts; initiative and leadership; superior oral and written skills with an ability to persuade; strong organizational and management skills; and an exceptional ability to communicate with a variety of University alumni, donors, faculty, staff, senior leadership, and friends. Knowledge of and experience working in the higher education environment and the ability to translate that mission in ways that engage and inspire donors and alumni is strongly preferred.

Why Join Us?
• Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in supporting the University's mission.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, innovative, and dynamic team.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about PAE and apply today.
Join us in shaping the future of education, research, and healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh!

Job Summary

Oversees development of a program, plans, and activities to create and execute a comprehensive development plan achieving new and recurring contributions to a school, foundation, program, and/or group. Manages a portfolio of major gift donors and strategically builds fundraising prospects. Assists leadership in facilitating a comprehensive communications plan and with development strategies.

Essential Functions

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors to secure gifts of $100,000 and above through substantive in-person and virtual meetings, proposal development, and strategic relationship management.
• Supervise staff, providing guidance, setting performance goals, and fostering a collaborative, results-oriented team culture.
• Travel to meet with prospects and donors in their homes and offices, attend alumni events, and represent the University at cultivation and solicitation activities, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Overall leadership of PAE efforts across the school to maximize fundraising performance and strengthen alumni engagement, driving short-term outcomes and long-term, sustainable success.

Physical Effort

Light - Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Director - Development

Job Family: Philanthropy & Engagement

Job Sub Family: Major & Principal Gifts

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 7

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: Valid Driver's License Ability to travel Track record of major gift fundraising ($100K+) Occasional evening and weekend work.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range: $135,000-$145,000

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Not Applicable