Executive Director of National Development

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $107,645 and $145,321, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The executive director of national development will work collaboratively with the vice president for university relations and development to provide leadership in implementing programs designed to increase philanthropic support for Case Western Reserve University. This position is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and leadership gifts and specialty programs (athletics, womens philanthropy, parents, entrepreneurship). The incumbent raises major and leadership gifts ($100,000 to $1,000,000) and provides strategic oversight and management of the universitys major and leadership giving program. This position will require direct face-to-face cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with the expectation that they will be traveling off campus for much of this function.

The executive director supervises a team of national development, presidential and university programs, specialty, and donor engagement officers. As part of the university development team, the incumbent will be expected to work collegially, and in partnership, with central and school-based colleagues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and manage portfolio of high potential major and leadership giving prospects with giving potential in the range of $100,000 to $1,000,000. Develop and implement strategic cultivation, solicitation and/or engagement strategies for each prospect to maximize major and leadership gifts to the university. (50%)
• Work in collaboration with the vice president for university relations and development to implement the universitys major and leadership giving strategy aimed to maximize the lifetime engagement and philanthropic support of CWRU¿s most affluent donors and families. Supervise a team of national development and discovery gift officers. Develop the national development and discovery strategic plan and working closely with the senior director of leadership engagement, develop a strategic travel schedule for the President. (30%)
• Work in collaboration with the vice president for university relations and development to manage CWRUs stewardship programs for leadership gift donors. Develop prioritized stewardship plans for CWRUs top leadership donors. (10%)
• Work in collaboration with the vice president for university relations and development to manage specialty major gifts fundraising programs such as athletics, womens philanthropy, parents, and entrepreneurship. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the vice president, senior directors, directors and other department and university relations and development staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Daily contact with the presidents office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, alumni, directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Contact with trustees, alumni, donors, friends of the university, vendors and volunteers as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Contact with students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise at team of national development, presidential and university programs, and donor engagement officers and support staff with additional growth over the next three years.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 10 or more years of progressive professional experience in higher education administration, external relations, development, or related fields and a successful track record of closing six and seven figure major and leadership gifts.

Education: Bachelors degree required. Masters degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with all levels of staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and prospective donors.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individual donors at the major and leadership gifts level.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Demonstrated success implementing successful projects or initiatives with clear goals and objectives.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Demonstrated ability in organizing and managing volunteer organizations.
• Knowledge of the issues and opportunities facing higher education.
• Ability to deal with issues and cultures throughout the nation and beyond.
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment, occasional nights, and weekend hours. Regular travel required.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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