External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Director of Major Gifts. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Managing Director of Development, University Priorities, the Director of Major Gifts will generate philanthropic support for top fundraising priorities for the University, and will represent the University of Virginia, its programs, policies, personnel, traditions, philosophy, and objectives to all constituent groups.
Responsibilities
Build and manage a portfolio of current and prospective major-gift level donors ($100K+) and move them towards giving levels that achieve annual and long-range fundraising goals of the University.
Create personalized strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals within their portfolio.
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to include special events, communications, annual campaigns, and major gift strategies.
Travel nationally to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects for pan-University initiatives.
Collaborate with other fundraisers in the department and across the University in overall relationship building of alumni, parents, and friends to ensure a coordinated approach for prospects and donors and to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation plans.
Other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will be an energetic and charismatic professional with an affinity for the mission and values of the University of Virginia. They will bring a proven track record as a major gift fundraiser, creative and entrepreneurial approaches to fundraising, and a strong work ethic dedicated to achieving ambitious team goals. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to make a valuable contribution in support of the mission of the University.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: Five years of fundraising experience
Ability to travel frequently, with occasional evening and weekend work.
A valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
Eight years of demonstrated successful fundraising experience
Prior experience in the non-profit or higher education sector staffing senior leaders and volunteers.
Track record of demonstrating a high degree of initiative, flexibility, and the skills to shape and be shaped by an evolving fundraising initiative.
Exceptional communication skills, a high degree of personal integrity and the ability to keep the big picture in focus while attending to the small details.
Experience using data to evaluate and plan.
Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Salary Range
The anticipated hiring range is $105,000 - $125,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location
This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. This hybrid position can be frequently worked remotely, although periodic in-person work in our office building, on UVA Grounds, or at event venues is required. The preference is for the Director of Major Gifts to live within driving distance of Charlottesville, Virginia, though exceptional remote candidates will be considered.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline
Application review will begin after October 14, 2025.
Additional Requirements
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How to Apply
Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0077164. Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact
For additional information about the position, please contact April Sibiski, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.