Widener University is currently seeking a Director of Development for Major Gifts to join its University Advancement team. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, the Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s mission and strategic priorities of driving philanthropic support by securing major gifts of $25,000 and above.
This position will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, guiding them through the complete giving cycle from identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. The successful candidate will be a strategic relationship builder, collaborating across academic leadership, Advancement colleagues, and volunteers to align donor interests with University needs. Based on Widener’s Chester campus, the role requires regular travel to engage donors and active participation in university-wide events.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, the Director of Developments for Major Gifts is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-value donors to secure philanthropic support with an emphasis on gifts of $25,000 or more. This role involves managing a portfolio of prospects, collaborating with university leadership and faculty, and developing strategic plans for major and principal gifts.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Strategic Fundraising
- Design and implement individualized strategies to engage major gift prospects.
- Align fundraising initiatives with mission-driven priorities and institutional goals.
- Achieve measurable outcomes in securing transformative philanthropic investments.
Relationship Building
- Cultivate authentic, long-term relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
- Employ active listening and personalized engagement to deepen donor trust and commitment.
Gift Solicitation
- Develop and deliver compelling proposals tailored to donor interests.
- Lead solicitations that result in impactful contributions supporting Widener’s vision.
Donor Stewardship
- Partner with the Director of Stewardship to ensure meaningful recognition of major donors.
- Maintain ongoing engagement strategies that reinforce donor loyalty and satisfaction.
Cross-Campus Collaboration
- Work closely with faculty, deans, administrators, and Advancement colleagues to identify opportunities for support.
- Communicate the tangible impact of philanthropy across the University community.
Event Engagement
- Participate in and support donor-focused events that strengthen relationships and advance fundraising goals.
- Represent the University with professionalism and enthusiasm at internal and external gatherings.
Data-Informed Decision Making
- Maintain accurate donor records and track progress using CRM tools.
- Leverage data to inform strategy, measure success, and optimize fundraising outcomes.
Mission-Driven Storytelling
- Craft and share compelling narratives that highlight the transformative power of philanthropy.
- Inspire donors by showcasing the impact of giving on students, faculty, and the broader University community.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of University Advancement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in securing major gifts or increasing donor or constituent engagement.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and cultivate lasting relationships.
- Strong project management and organizational expertise, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Ethical, empathetic, and donor-centered approach to philanthropy and relationship management.
- Analytical mindset with proficiency in CRM systems, leveraging data to inform strategy and measure impact.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to support donor engagement activities.
Preferred:
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a history of initiative, innovation and successful follow-through.
- Outstanding presentation and storytelling abilities, capable of inspiring diverse audiences and articulating the mission with passion.
- Commitment to excellence in service and responsiveness, ensuring a seamless and positive donor experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Routine physical activity with occasional standing and light lifting.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as business needs require for donor visits and events.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
