Institutional Advancement - Director of Major Gifts

Summary:

The Director of Major Gifts (DMG) is an integral role in the D’Youville University Department of Institutional Advancement who is significantly responsible for the creation of fundraising plans, implementation of strategies, and supervision of D’Youville’s major gift and corporate relations efforts. The DMG cultivates relationships with existing major gift prospects and identifies new prospects for university priorities, including capital needs, endowed scholarships, and other initiatives.

Partnering with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and other Advancement team members, the DMG assists in the management of major gift work, annual giving, and capital project giving. The DMG collaborates with campus partners and efficiently and effectively communicates with all internal and external constituents. The DMG supervises staff as recommended by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

The DMG is expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the institution’s mission, programs, and current projects. They work well in individual and group settings, maintain professionalism at all times, are organized, dependable and trustworthy. To succeed in this role, the DMG is a self-starter and is driven by direct donor stewardship and fundraising results. The DMG is supervised by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Responsibilities: 

• Continually cultivate, solicit, and steward of donor prospects with gift potential of $5,000+.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-100 major gifts donors and prospects.
• Make recommendations and lead the process to implement a comprehensive corporate relations program at D’Youville University.
• Partner with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement about relationship management of key major donors and prospects.
• Manage systems, metrics, and reports that track progress and donor activity through the donor database and wealth screening tools.
• Utilize moves management best practices and plans.
• Assist deans, department chairs, and other staff with solicitation by providing portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications.
• Partner with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and other Advancement team members in the administration of Annual Giving, Endowed Scholarship, and Planned Giving programs.
• Partner with the Alumni Engagement team to implement programs that foster alumni involvement and to encourage meaningful and productive alumni giving.
• Supervise gift officers as recommended by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Department of Institutional Advancement by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements: 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Master’s Degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in a relevant field is desired.

Experience: 

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience required, senior level experience in higher education or an aligned nonprofit field is preferred.
• Comprehensive computer skills, with the ability to learn new and emerging technology.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A proven record of success and experience in fundraising for higher educations, nonprofit sector, or related experience.
• The ability to project a strong positive image of D’Youville University through personal interaction with donors, alumni and friends.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills—strategic planning, setting deadlines, and evaluating progress.
• A demonstrated ability to organize, motivate, and lead staff and volunteers.
• The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Computer literacy, particularly related to Blackbaud database or related CRM is preferred.
• Ability to travel within and outside the Buffalo-Niagara region on a regular basis (weekly donor meetings and/or engagement is expected).
• Flexibility to handle changing priorities; working efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Positive, donor-centric attitude to work with and support the intentions of prospects, donors, and campus partners.
• Facilitates charitable giving to meet the needs of donors and the university by remaining current on technical and tax code matters affecting donors and charitable giving.

Physical & Environmental: 

• Adept at managing multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously, with a strong ability to think creatively, solve complex problems, and drive innovative solutions.
• Must possess a donor, alumni, and student-centered personal philosophy.
• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours.
• Uphold and abide by D’Youville University policies and procedures, including but not limited to Title IX and Information Security, including but not limited to FERPA and other state and federal guidelines and mandates.
• This position demands accuracy, honesty, integrity, and the ability to support the mission, vision, and purpose of D’Youville University.

Work Remotely - No

Work Location: Buffalo, NY

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 Annually

Additional Salary Information

The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

About D'Youville University: 

Shaping the Future of Education at D'Youville University

D’Youville University, a nationally ranked private university in Buffalo, New York, is transforming lives through a unique blend of academics and holistic development. Committed to promoting a health mind, body, and spirit, D’Youville empowers individuals to realize their potential, thrive in their careers, and make meaningful contributions to society.

 A Dynamic and Purpose-Driven Community

Located on Buffalo’s vibrant West Side, just blocks from a bustling downtown, D’Youville University is deeply embedded in an energetic, diverse urban landscape. Under the visionary leadership of President Lorrie Clemo, the university is undergoing an exciting evolution, with innovative initiatives designed to meet societal needs, elevate student experiences, expand career readiness, and solidify our role as a leader in 21st-century education.

A Place for Growth and Innovation

D’Youville University offers education across health sciences and business, with a range of degree levels, advanced certificates, accelerated paths, and community-engaged learning experiences. Our dedication to preparing students for successful careers is showcased in our national ranking for social mobility making us the top private university in the City of Buffalo.  

Why Work with Us?

As a D’Youville University Saint, you’ll be joining a collaborative, innovation-driven community committed to academic excellence, social responsibility, and transformative growth. When you join our team, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a university making a real difference—for our students, our community, and our world. Explore the possibilities at dyu.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon legal authorization to work in New York State as determined by the NYS Department of Labor.