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National University · 1 day ago

Director, Development

United States

Full-time

Remote

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$78K/yr - $106K/yr

5+ years exp

National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and is dedicated to meeting the global education demands of the 21st Century. The Director, Development manages and implements the university's fundraising programs, ensuring effective donor engagement and operational coordination while overseeing a team dedicated to maintaining a healthy donor pipeline.

E-LearningEdTechHigher EducationNon ProfitUniversities

Responsibilities

Collaborates with the AVP to develop and implement fundraising programs and strategies that build a strong, sustainable philanthropic pipeline for National University

Provides leadership for annual giving, planned giving, and key fundraising campaigns, including multi-channel appeals and targeted initiatives

Leads and executes annual giving campaigns and major-gift-focused mini-campaigns aligned with institutional priorities

Works with internal partners to align giving opportunities with academic and institutional needs

Leads and manages the University’s donor lifecycle process, including prospect assignment, tracking, and movement through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages

Creates a consistent rhythm of donor strategy meetings, portfolio reviews, and action tracking across the team

Provides coaching and guidance to development staff on donor engagement and moves management best practices

Ensures accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions in the CRM

Supervises and collaborates closely with the Development Database Specialist to ensure accurate gift processing, reconciliation, reporting, and CRM data integrity

Ensures timely preparation of donor lists, reports, dashboards, and analysis required for appeals, campaigns, events, and stewardship

Monitors fundraising metrics, pipeline health, and performance benchmarks for frontline fundraisers

Works with the Database Specialist to maintain a coordinated CRM environment supporting all fundraising activities

Oversees the development of stewardship plans for annual fund donors, leadership donors, and major donors

Reviews and supports the creation of donor impact reports, acknowledgment letters, event communications, and stewardship updates

Collaborates with Advancement and NU Foundation colleagues on donor-related content, newsletters, and recognition

Translates the AVP’s advancement priorities into actionable fundraising plans and coordinated internal workflows

Provides regular updates to the AVP regarding fundraising progress, opportunities, challenges, and resource needs

Works with academic leaders, enrollment partners, and community relations staff to align fundraising efforts with broader institutional goals

Participates in planning donor events, outreach activities, and strategic engagement opportunities

Supervises and mentors a team of development staff including the Development Database Specialist, and private grants contractor

Conducts performance reviews, establishes clear goals, and supports professional development

Fosters an accountable, collaborative, and donor-centered team culture

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Fundraising strategyDonor pipeline managementCRM proficiencyFundraising analyticsLeadership experienceTeam supervisionCommunication skillsEmotional intelligence

Required

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit leadership, business, communications, or related field required

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, or strategic development, required

Minimum of five (5) years of leading major or principal gift functions required

Experience designing and implementing fundraising strategies, multi-year development plans, or campaign initiatives required

Proven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations

Demonstrated success leading or supervising high-performing fundraising teams

Deep expertise in advancement strategy, donor pipeline management, and annual fund campaigns

Strong strategic and financial acumen, including revenue forecasting, ROI analysis, opportunity assessment, and long-term planning

Advanced communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives, faculty, donors, and external partners

Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and inspire fundraising staff

Proficiency with CRM platforms and fundraising analytics tools (Raiser's Edge or comparable)

Ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities

Demonstrated commitment to institutional values including belonging, innovation, and community impact

High level of professional integrity, discretion, judgment, and emotional intelligence

Preferred

Master's degree preferred

Leadership experience preferred

Experience in higher education preferred

Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred

Benefits

Comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family

Company

National University

Glassdoor3.0

National University is a private nonprofit university that provides accessible and achievable higher education to adult learners. It is a sub-organization of National University System.

Founded in 1971

La Jolla, California, USA

1001-5000 employees