Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onLogan Street, Downtown, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 15262, United States
University Advancement supports Carnegie Mellon University's vision of having a transformative impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. By championing the university's mission, building relationships with its various constituencies, and securing critical private philanthropic support, the division drives the institution's growth. As the division expands, we are searching for an Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts to join our team.
This role provides strategic leadership for a central team of major gift officers and oversees key fundraising initiatives that support University Advancement's philanthropic goals. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, you will supervise a team of gift officers whose portfolios align with the schools, colleges, central units, and priority programs—including parent philanthropy. A core aspect of the position is ensuring alignment and collaboration across the advancement ecosystem, working closely with Chief Advancement Officers and the Annual Giving Digital Gift Officer team.
You will manage a personal portfolio of approximately 50–75 prospects with a rated giving capacity of $50,000 or more, responsible for the full lifecycle of donor engagement: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The role also involves designing, implementing, and refining a university-wide parent fundraising program, leading its philanthropic strategy, and ensuring its integration with the institution's broader advancement priorities. This position requires 8–10 annual trips outside the Pittsburgh region for donor engagement.
We are looking for an inspirational leader who sets goals and metrics, coaches and develops gift officers, and applies University Advancement best practices to monitor performance. You will ensure cohesive operations across fundraising teams and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture grounded in transparent communication, shared strategy, and continuous improvement. Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon. We seek a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity, sharing our values and supporting the university's mission.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits, including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions, tuition benefits, and ample paid time off. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to a Family Concierge Team, and fitness center access. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
To learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world, please visit 'Why Carnegie Mellon'. Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Logan Street, Downtown, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 15262, United States
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleProvide strategic leadership for major gift officers and oversee key fundraising initiatives
- check_circleManage a personal portfolio of 50–75 major gift prospects through the full engagement lifecycle
- check_circleDirect gift officers in solicitation strategies, proposal development, and portfolio management
- check_circleCoordinate with advancement partners to strengthen the donor pipeline and ensure integrated strategies
- check_circleOversee volunteer management for the ACS program and ACS board
- check_circleReport regularly on progress toward fundraising goals, solicitations, and commitments
- check_circleSupervise, coach, and mentor gift officers including hiring, training, and performance management
- check_circleDesign, implement, and refine the university-wide parent fundraising program
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required (masters degree preferred)
- verifiedAt least ten years of progressively responsible development experience in higher education fundraising, with at least five of those years in management
- verifiedSuccessful background check
- verifiedValid state driver's license
Nice to Have
Master's degree
Benefits & Perks
check_circleComprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurancecheck_circleGenerous retirement savings program with employer contributionscheck_circleTuition benefitscheck_circleAmple paid time off and observed holidayscheck_circleLife and accidental death and disability insurancecheck_circleFree Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus passcheck_circleAccess to Family Concierge Team for childcare needscheck_circleFitness center access
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Fundraising, Volunteer Management, Tax Laws, Defensive Driving.
Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University
What does a Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University do?expand_more
A Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University is responsible for the following: Provide strategic leadership for major gift officers and oversee key fundraising initiatives; Manage a personal portfolio of 50–75 major gift prospects through the full engagement lifecycle; Direct gift officers in solicitation strategies, proposal development, and portfolio management; and Coordinate with advancement partners to strengthen the donor pipeline and ensure integrated strategies.
What are the requirements for this Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts role?expand_more
Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required (masters degree preferred); At least ten years of progressively responsible development experience in higher education fundraising, with at least five of those years in management; Successful background check; and Valid state driver's license.
Where is the Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts role at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University located?expand_more
Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University is based in Logan Street, Downtown, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 15262, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University has listed this Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts role?expand_more
Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.
What skills do you need for the Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts role at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University?expand_more
Key skills for Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University include Fundraising; Volunteer Management; Tax Laws; and Defensive Driving.
What education is required for Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree required; and Master's degree preferred.
What category does the Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts role belong to?expand_more
Executive Director, Development and Major Gifts at Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University is part of the pr, advertising & marketing job category on Recrutus.
About Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University
The Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University operates within the software development industry, based in Pittsburgh, PA. Since 1984, this organization has focused on researching complex challenges in software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence engineering. The team creates and tests innovative technologies, subsequently transitioning mature solutions into practical applications for real-world use.
The institute collaborates with the Department of Defense, various government agencies, and private industry partners. These partnerships are designed to help organizations meet mission goals and achieve strategic advantages through advanced technical capabilities. By bridging the gap between research and implementation, the SEI supports critical infrastructure and operational needs across multiple sectors. The work conducted at this facility emphasizes rigorous testing and the effective deployment of engineering solutions to address evolving security and development demands.
Browse more roles: All Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University jobs, pr, advertising & marketing jobs on Recrutus.