For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Careers at Drexel

About Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long‐term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.

At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti‐racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Senior Director of Major Gifts

Apply now Job no: 504087
Work type: Full-Time
Location: Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement
Categories: Drexel University, Institutional Advancement

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 Senior Director, Major Gifts is a member of the Institutional Advancement (IA) team assigned to develop philanthropic resources for the College of Medicine. This position will play a central role in individual major and principal giving and contribute to the enhancement of planned gifts. They report to the Assistant Vice President of Development, College of Medicine and serve as a key fundraiser for the College. The Senior Director will work closely with the Dean, Associate Deans, and key faculty in the College of Medicine, to staff them on visits with university stakeholders and prominent alumni.

Essential Functions

  • Secures major, principal, and planned gifts and develops future major donors by pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of private support from prospects capable of making commitments of $100,000 or more.
  • Develops detailed strategies and goals for the top 25 prospects.
  • Maintains an active schedule of face-to-face meetings with leadership major and planned gift suspects and prospects.
  • Coordinates with the Assistant Vice President and the Office of Alumni Relations to help foster activities that contribute to a culture of philanthropy in the college.
  • Assists in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of principal gifts prospects and donors ($1,000,000 or more) in association with the Assistant Vice President.
  • Partners with Institutional Advancement’s Office of Gift Planning to develop specific Gift Planning opportunities for the College of Medicine including identifying key alumni volunteers for features in planned giving publications and speaking engagements and College of Medicine specific events.
  • Represents the College of Medicine at Legacy Lunches and provides updates on the College.
  • Works to enhance pipeline of prospects moving up in gift level for increased revenue for the College of Medicine and developing support for the College and University priorities.
  • Works in conjunction with the Assistant Vice President and Institutional Advancement Marketing and Communications Team to develop customized proposal templates.
  • 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 with the knowledge of the Assistant Vice President, qualifies, cultivates and solicits prospects on behalf of other campus units.
  • Adheres to performance goals and standards for development officers as specified under Office of Institutional Advancement guidelines.
  • Follows Institutional Advancement procedures with regard to prospect management and documenting contacts.
  • Responsible for oversight and submission of all relative fundraising reports, statistics, projections and publications.
  • 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 7 years of successful experience in development and major gift fundraising; minimum of 7 years of experience with direct solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts from individuals.
  • Ability and willingness to travel on a frequent basis.
  • Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.
  • Valid Driver’s License.
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent administrative skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree. Coursework in subjects relevant to Business.
  • Experience working with senior-level executives.
  • Knowledge of prospect management systems.
  • Knowledge of database fundraising software CS Advance.
  • Web fundraising experience.
  • Experience in higher education or health system setting.

Location

Hybrid: Remote/University City, Philadelphia PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade O. Compensation for this grade ranges from $108,330 - $162,490 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.

 

#LI-Hybrid 

Advertised: Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Eastern Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that welcomes individuals from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our Policies page to view all University policies related to Human Resources and News and Announcements for workplace postings.

Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made.

Drexel University, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) publishes the Drexel University Security & Fire Safety Annual Report for current and prospective students and employees. This report contains important safety information and crime statistics for the previous three years. These statistics pertain to reported crimes that have occurred on campus, in certain non-campus buildings or properties that are owned or controlled by Drexel University, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Printed copies of this report are also available by calling the Public Safety Administrative Office, 215.895.1550.

Additional information about the services provided by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety can be obtained by visiting their website.

Position Type

Work type

Locations

Other

Categories

Division / College
Organization