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 Director of Development for the College of Engineering will facilitate lifelong engagement among donors, alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students of the assigned School and Colleges. The primary function of this position is to meet face-to-face with alumni, parents and friends to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit or steward the relationship with the ultimate goal of generating philanthropic support with gifts of $50,000 or more. This position does not have any supervisory duties.

Essential Functions

Actively works to secure major gifts of $50,000 or more by pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of private support from individuals to the College/School. Builds and manages a pool of prospects capable of making commitments of a minimum of $50,000. Develops detailed strategies and goals monthly for the top prospects within the portfolio. Maintains an active schedule of a combination of in-person and virtual meetings with major gift suspects and prospects. This includes alumni, parents, friends and corporate partners. Stewards donors through ongoing communications, recognition activities, invitations to key events, and interaction with beneficiaries of their support. Coordinates such activities with the central Donor Relations office. Collaborates with the Office of Planned Giving, paying special attention to opportunities to secure new planned gifts and steward members of the Drexel University Legacy Society. Assists in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of principal gifts prospects and donors in association with the Assistant Vice President of Development. Develops and deepens connections with faculty working on initiatives across the Colleges. Assists the Assistant Vice President, Vice President, Institutional Advancement senior management, and Deans in the analysis, formation, and implementation of fundraising plans, policies and procedures as they pertain to the College/School’s development program. 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 in consultation with senior staff, cultivates and solicits prospects on behalf of other campus units. Follows Institutional Advancement procedures regarding prospect management and documenting contacts. Responsible for oversight and submission of all relative fundraising reports, statistics, projections and publications. Serves as a member of the College of Engineering fundraising team to advance philanthropy across the unit, and the University, as appropriate. 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 5 years of experience, with at least 3 years of demonstrated success in a development program or high-impact sales environment. Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts of $50,000+ or equivalent sales experience. Ability and willingness to travel domestically extensively, approximately 8 times a year. Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Excellent administrative skills. Ability and willingness to work in teams and independently. Valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with senior-level executives. Knowledge of prospect management systems. Knowledge of database fundraising software CS Advance Familiarity with planned giving concepts and experience in soliciting planned gifts.

Location

Hybrid: Remote/University City, Philadelphia PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade N. Compensation for this grade ranges from $90,430 - $135,640 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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