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Associate Director, Development Engineering
Job Location:
Job Location:
Newark, DE - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
17 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
14 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
PAY GRADE: 30S
CONTEXT OF JOB:
The Associate Director of Development is responsible for major gift fundraising for the assigned College/unit(s) including identification qualification cultivation solicitation and stewardship of major gift donors for the college. The emphasis of the position is on the solicitation of gifts of $50000 or more from individuals.
The Associate Director of Development reports to the Senior Director of Development and works closely with assigned College leadership faculty and staff.
The Associate Director of Development reports to the Senior Director of Development and works closely with assigned College leadership faculty and staff.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising (95%):
Fundraising (95%):
- Manage a portfolio of 50 to 75 qualified major giving prospects qualified through capacity inclination and timing to make a significant gift of $50000 or more.
- Successfully conduct all stages of the major gift process which includes the qualification cultivation solicitation and stewardship of identified prospects in the assigned College/unit or in support of University-identified priorities.
- Provide donors and prospects with an exceptional experience moving them to gift closure through thoughtful and meaningful communication and engagement.
- Follow execution of solicitation plans for all assigned prospects that identify key steps toward moving prospects to a successful solicitation within three years.
- Acquire knowledge of College and University programs and projects to develop and implement donor cultivation and solicitation strategies effectively and efficiently.
- Develop draft proposals and agreements for named initiatives and recognition opportunities for donors.
- Follow and execute stated processes and procedures.
College/Unit Partner (5%):
- Serve as a DAR contact and support the assigned college/unit Dean Department Chairs faculty and staff with the execution of fundraising strategies and donor engagement activities.
- Assist as needed with the coordination and scheduling of DAR and College/unit monthly fundraising meetings.
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource for gift officers who are working with prospects in assigned college/unit.
- Work collaboratively with development colleagues who manage College-based donors and prospects with philanthropic interests.
- Assist as needed in the coordination of stewardship reports and activities for prospects with appropriate members of the administration and faculty of the assigned College/unit.
Collegiality
- Partner effectively with colleagues within DAR to foster a cross-functional team approach to achieve the goals of the assigned College/unit and the University overall.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree and minimum of four years of relevant experience (development sales customer relations etc.) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven ability to solicit and close philanthropic gifts on the six-figure level or equivalent experience in a related field such as sales.
- Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate collaborate implement monitor evaluate and advance strategic plans that support the activities of the program and contribute to the overall goals and objectives of Advancement and the fundraising enterprise.
- Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner exhibiting excellent written and oral communication skills team-building skills and demonstrating tact poise and diplomacy while working with a wide variety of personalities.
- Ability and comfort in meeting and interacting with individuals of considerable social status and affluence.
- Ability to apply good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to deal with highly confidential alumni parent student family donor and prospect information.
- Must be a detail-oriented self-starter with an ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet aggressive timelines and challenging deadlines.
- Working knowledge of electronic mail and calendars the Windows environment including Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint and other software such as donor databases etc.
- Understanding of regionally based philanthropy along with experience in a higher education or non-profit setting preferred; direct experience with fundraising volunteer management and knowledge of the University of Delaware is highly desired.
- Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities cultures and backgrounds.
- Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
- Utilize considerable initiative independence originality and responsibility for recommending and developing new methods strategies and techniques.
- Exercise autonomy in researching evaluating developing and executing activities designed to engage and identify principal and major gifts.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
The University of Delaware is a diverse institution of higher learning, fostering excellence in research. UD has ten colleges, providing outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional education, serving the local, regional, national and international communities.
