Senior Director of Development, Engineering
$1,000,000–$1,000,000 year
HybridNashville, Tennessee, United States
Job Summary
Identify, cultivate, and solicit major and principal gifts from high-capacity prospects, foundations, and corporate entities to achieve a target fundraising range of $3–5 million annually. Manage a portfolio of 65–75 prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more, conducting 15–20 solicitations per fiscal year and leading the full donor lifecycle from qualification through closure. Serve as the primary fundraising partner for designated engineering-affiliated institutes and centers, aligning strategies with faculty leadership and advancing collaborative initiatives. Partner with the Associate Dean of Development on annual planning and coordinate engagement strategies across university programs. Secure face-to-face meetings with donors and utilize senior leaders to advance significant opportunities. This hybrid role in Nashville requires overnight travel, occasional evening and weekend work, and a valid driver's license.
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent
- Eight years of relevant experience, or the equivalent
- Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000 or more and proven participation in major-level gifts
- Proven success managing the full donor lifecycle, from identifying and qualifying prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and gift closure
- Proven ability to identify and engage new or previously unassigned prospects
- Demonstrated experience with foundation relations and corporate giving programs
- Strong strategic thinking and organizational skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and presentation development
- Ability to distill ideas and articulate the mission and priorities of a major research university, particularly the significance of engineering within that context
- High level of discretion in handling confidential information
- Experience collaborating across teams and disciplines to drive results
- Familiarity with donor management systems and Microsoft Office tools
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in an agile, growth-oriented, and fast-paced environment
- Willingness to travel overnight regularly and work occasional evenings and weekends
- Driving is considered an essential job function for this role
- Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record
Desired Qualifications
- MBA or related advanced degree
- Five or more years of development experience preferred, ideally within a higher education environment
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