Drexel’s Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) supports the University’s mission and strategic priorities by generating philanthropic engagement and by building and strengthening relationships among alumni, students, faculty, staff, civic leaders, friends, and foundation and corporate partners. We aspire to create a sustainable and lasting culture of philanthropy at Drexel University by cultivating the next generation of leadership through volunteer initiatives and alumni engagement. 

In alignment with Drexel University’s values and priorities, IA is committed to maintaining a flexible and dynamic work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion; professional and career development; and collaboration and innovation across all our departments. 

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Major Gifts is a member of the Institutional Advancement (IA) team assigned to develop philanthropic resources for the College of Medicine. This position will play a central role in individual major and principal giving and contribute to the enhancement of planned gifts. They report to the Assistant Vice President of Development, College of Medicine and serve as a key fundraiser for the College. The Senior Director will work closely with the Dean, Associate Deans, and key faculty in the College of Medicine, to staff them on visits with university stakeholders and prominent alumni.

Essential Functions

Secures major, principal, and planned gifts and develops future major donors by pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of private support from prospects capable of making commitments of $100,000 or more. Develops detailed strategies and goals for the top 25 prospects. Maintains an active schedule of face-to-face meetings with leadership major and planned gift suspects and prospects. Coordinates with the Assistant Vice President and the Office of Alumni Relations to help foster activities that contribute to a culture of philanthropy in the college. Assists in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of principal gifts prospects and donors ($1,000,000 or more) in association with the Assistant Vice President. Partners with Institutional Advancement’s Office of Gift Planning to develop specific Gift Planning opportunities for the College of Medicine including identifying key alumni volunteers for features in planned giving publications and speaking engagements and College of Medicine specific events. Represents the College of Medicine at Legacy Lunches and provides updates on the College. Works to enhance pipeline of prospects moving up in gift level for increased revenue for the College of Medicine and developing support for the College and University priorities. Works in conjunction with the Assistant Vice President and Institutional Advancement Marketing and Communications Team to develop customized proposal templates. Promotes University priorities and image to constituents. Serves as front line staff to promote campus goals and objectives. Maintains current knowledge of university-wide institutional priorities. As appropriate, and with the knowledge of the Assistant Vice President, qualifies, cultivates and solicits prospects on behalf of other campus units. Adheres to performance goals and standards for development officers as specified under Office of Institutional Advancement guidelines. Follows Institutional Advancement procedures with regard to prospect management and documenting contacts. Responsible for oversight and submission of all relative fundraising reports, statistics, projections and publications. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.) Minimum of 7 years of successful experience in development and major gift fundraising; minimum of 7 years of experience with direct solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts from individuals. Ability and willingness to travel on a frequent basis. Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends. Valid Driver’s License. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Excellent administrative skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree. Coursework in subjects relevant to Business. Experience working with senior-level executives. Knowledge of prospect management systems. Knowledge of database fundraising software CS Advance. Web fundraising experience. Experience in higher education or health system setting.

Location

Hybrid: Remote/University City, Philadelphia PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade O. Compensation for this grade ranges from $108,330 - $162,490 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.   

We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.  

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.  

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

 

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