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Development Director, Major Gifts

PageUp Desc Code ADV - Development Director, Major Gifts

Function ADV - Advancement

Subfunction Fundraising

Discipline Major Gifts

Career Track D - Development

Career Track Level Management / Leadership - Level 3

BROAD SALARY RANGE CODE 05

RANGE $102488 - $215224

MARKET REFERENCE RANGE CODE 05B

RANGE $124593 - $193119

Classification Information

Major Gifts

Major Gifts identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from critical, high-profile prospects/donors. Designs and implements strategic fundraising plans through collaboration for academic units, regional campuses, and complex markets. Typically manages a portfolio of approximately 100 prospects and gift solicitations of $100,000 to $5,000,000.

Management / Leadership

Manager: The positions work is achieved through the direction of others. Managers have direct accountability for setting goals and using resources. They are responsible for administrative oversight of individuals, including conducting recommendations for hiring and termination, writing evaluations, disciplinary actions, day-to-day oversight as well as long-term goal setting and accountability for the performance and productivity of the employees. Managerial positions are reflected in the M1-M3 career track levels in the management/leadership track.

Level 3

Director: Directs and controls the activities of multiple university units or leads a team of professionals with significant university wide impact. Typically has indirect reports. In charge of overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, etc. for the unit. Collaborates with executive leadership on establishing strategic goals across the function.

D - Development

Roles that are focused on fundraising for the organization.

Position Summary

The Development Director for Major Gifts leads the strategic planning and execution of major gift fundraising initiatives across the university, playing a crucial role in securing transformational support for institutional priorities. This position oversees multiple university units or teams, directing activities that cultivate, solicit, and steward high-profile donors and prospects with the potential to contribute gifts ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000. The director collaborates closely with academic units, regional campuses, and other stakeholders to design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with the university's mission and goals. As a key leader in the advancement division, the Development Director is responsible for setting strategic objectives, managing budgets, and ensuring operational efficiency across the major gifts function. This role involves mentoring and managing professional staff, driving accountability for performance metrics, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The director works in partnership with executive leadership to shape long-term fundraising strategies, ensuring the university’s capacity to achieve significant philanthropic outcomes and strengthen its position as a leader in education and research.