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Development Director, Principal Gifts

PageUp Desc Code ADV - Development Director, Principal Gifts

Function ADV - Advancement

Subfunction Fundraising

Discipline Principal 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

Principal Gifts

Principal Gifts identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gifts from donors with the institutions highest profile, inclination, and capacity. Designs and implements strategic fundraising plans through collaboration for academic units, regional campuses, and complex markets. Typically manages a portfolio of approximately 30 prospects and gift solicitations greater than $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 Principal Gifts provides strategic leadership and oversight for the university’s efforts to secure transformative gifts exceeding $5,000,000. This role involves directing a team of professionals and collaborating with university executives, academic units, and regional campuses to design and implement comprehensive strategies for engaging high-profile donors. By cultivating relationships with the institution’s most significant benefactors, the director advances philanthropic support critical to achieving the university’s long-term goals. In this position, the director has full responsibility for planning, staffing, and budgeting for the Principal Gifts team, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic objectives. They set performance standards, mentor staff, and foster a high-performing team culture. By driving key fundraising initiatives and building strong internal and external partnerships, the Development Director for Principal Gifts plays a pivotal role in advancing the university's mission and enhancing its capacity to address complex global challenges.