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Baldwin Wallace University · 2 days ago

Executive Director of Engagement

Berea, OH, US

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Baldwin Wallace University seeks a dynamic, engaging, and highly experienced fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Engagement, a key deputy to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. This role oversees all front-line fundraising and alumni engagement activities and manages a team of six professionals dedicated to cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift prospects.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of six front-line fundraisers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, positivity, and good humor

Create an environment that values relationship-building, professional growth, and thoughtful risk-taking

Provide strategic guidance and coaching to staff managing major gifts, principal gifts, alumni engagement, foundation relations, and planned giving portfolios

Maintain a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, engaging in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with confidence and warmth

Demonstrate a strong track record in closing significant philanthropic commitments, including major and principal gifts

Develop and implement strategic fundraising approaches to grow support across all University programs

Occasional travel for events and donor meetings required

Partner with the Executive Director of Philanthropy Operations to align operational support, events, prospect research, moves management, and data-driven goal setting

Collaborate with academic leaders, alumni relations, and other University units to advance institutional engagement and philanthropic priorities

Represent the University with authenticity, approachability, and a spirit of partnership

Establish clear performance metrics and accountability structures for all team members

Monitor progress toward individual and team fundraising goals and adjust strategies as needed to strengthen outcomes

Use data and Raiser’s Edge to inform decision-making and portfolio optimization

Qualification

Fundraising leadershipMajor gifts solicitationTeam managementRaiser’s EdgeStrategic planningRelationship-buildingCommunication skillsPresentation skills

Required

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred

Minimum of 10 years of experience as a front-line fundraiser, with a proven record of soliciting and closing major and principal gifts, including 6‑ and 7‑figure commitments

Demonstrated success managing and motivating fundraising teams in complex organizations, preferably in higher education or the nonprofit sector

Expertise in Raiser's Edge or similar CRM systems

Strong strategic thinking, relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with professionalism, discretion, and a friendly, approachable manner