Director of Development - Major Gifts

Widener University is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Director of Development for Major Gifts to join the University Advancement team. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, this important role is crucial for advancing the University’s mission.

The Director is responsible for cultivating meaningful relationships with potential and current major gift level donors ($25,000 +) to support the strategic goals and mission of the University, including the Delaware Law School (DLS). The Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, and be responsible for facilitating all phases of the gift cycle, including initiating contact, cultivating potential donors, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors. This role will work closely with the Associate Director for Alumni Engagement at DLS, as well as, collaborate with key volunteers and the Dean, Development staff, and Law School faculty, to achieve fundraising goals and enhance the school's philanthropic support.

This position will be based on the Chester, PA campus the and will require travel for donor visits and will also support University-wide programming and special events. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

Major Gift Strategy and Execution: Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects. Become familiar with institutional fundraising priorities, understanding the case for support for each, and explore opportunities for assigned alumni, and constituents to impact the University and Law School through philanthropic support.

Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with potential donors, alumni, and other key stakeholders to support fundraising efforts.  Conduct discovery visits with alumni to identify enthusiastic DLS graduates interested in supporting the university as volunteers and/or donors.

Gift Solicitation: Develop a strategic pipeline of major gift solicitations from assigned prospects through personalized proposals, leveraging effective communication skills.

Donor Stewardship: In partnership with Widener’s Director of Stewardship, ensure high-quality stewardship and recognition programs to engage and retain major gift donors.

Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the Dean, faculty, and development and alumni engagement team to align fundraising efforts with the Law School’s strategic priorities.

Event Management: In collaboration with Director of Events, Director of Stewardship and the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, plan and execute donor cultivation events and activities that advance major gift prospects and impact strategic priorities.

Reporting and Analytics: Track and report on major gift activities and progress towards goals using CRM systems and other tools.

Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives and impact stories that resonate with potential donors and articulate the vision and needs of the University and Law School.

Secondary responsibilities:

• As needed, support University-wide signature events including: Homecoming, Day of Giving, Commencement
• As required, attend University Advancement full staff meetings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, higher education or a related field, with a proven track record of successful fundraising and/or increasing constituent engagement. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a diverse range of stakeholders. 
• Be an active listener able to understand and respond to the needs and concerns of donors.
• Strong project management skills. 
• Empathetic and ethical demonstrating genuine care for donor interests and adherence to ethical standards.
• Patient and persistent maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on long-term goals despite challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and inform decision-making. 
• Proficient in the use of CRM systems and other fundraising tools and systems. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a car. 

Preferred:

• Fundraising experience in a law school environment
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with proven execution
• Commitment to customer service
• Strong presentation skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS: 

• Ability to travel
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. 

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D