Director of Development

About the role

The Director of Development joins Drexel University’s Institutional Advancement team to cultivate major‑gift philanthropy across multiple schools, including the Pennoni Honors College, College of Arts and Sciences, and Kline School of Law. Working within the Individual Giving unit, the role focuses on securing gifts of $50,000 or more and supporting both unit‑specific and university‑wide priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of approximately 150 prospective donors capable of $50,000+ commitments.
• Maintain an active schedule of 12‑15 virtual or in‑person meetings per month with major‑gift prospects.
• Steward donors through communications, recognition events, and coordination with the central Donor Relations office.
• Collaborate with the Office of Planned Giving and the Drexel University Legacy Society to secure planned gifts.
• Partner with college/school liaisons on development publications and communication materials.
• Assist senior advancement leaders in analyzing and implementing fundraising plans.
• Promote university priorities, maintain knowledge of institutional goals, and support campus‑wide fundraising initiatives.
• Prepare and submit fundraising reports, statistics, projections, and related publications.
• Travel as needed to support regional donor engagement and events.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years fundraising experience, with at least 3 years of demonstrated success in major‑gift development.
• Strong understanding of higher‑education philanthropy and donor stewardship.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with donors, beneficiaries, and internal stakeholders.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid/flexible work arrangement with occasional on‑site presence.
• Opportunity to impact a leading research university’s fundraising agenda.
• Collaborative environment within a respected Institutional Advancement team.