Carnegie Mellon’s Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science is at the forefront of all facets of computing research and education. Widely recognized as one of the first and best computer science programs in the world, and ranked #1 in Artificial Intelligence, the Griffin School of Computer Science provides both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to train the next generation of innovators.
We are currently searching for an Associate Director, Development, to join our team. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, this role will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects with a rated capacity of $50,000 and greater. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in an exciting and challenging environment.
Core responsibilities include:
- Managing and developing assigned portfolio of roughly 125-150 major gift prospects, including determining relationship activities with prospect, recommending specific purpose and level of gift, identifying those to be involved in cultivation and solicitations, and bringing solicitations to closure.
- Qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects via personal visits, direct mail, phone or volunteer utilization, when needed.
- Tracking prospect outreach and relationship building through each stage in Salesforce database.
- Keeping current on programs and faculty, research and student initiatives at the university.
- Setting annual goals based on divisional and team expectations, including tracking and reporting progress on implementation plan.
- Other duties as assigned.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
You should demonstrate:
- Knowledge of the principles of fundraising.
- The ability to see and understand the objectives of the University Advancement division, and to integrate goals with those objectives.
- The ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and alter strategic advancement plans for prospect moves management.
- The ability to articulate the case for support for the vision/mission/goals of Carnegie Mellon.
- A dedication to promoting the university's fundraising priorities through developing excellent working relationships with university constituencies.
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills required.
- Broad knowledge of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets and estates.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree required
- 3-5 years of major gift fundraising in non-profit or higher education required
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Requirements:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
- Valid state driver's license. Must complete a driver's license verification on an annual basis and complete the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving training program once every three years.
Additional Information:
- Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. 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.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Major GiftsPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 3–5 years of major gift fundraising experience in nonprofit or higher education
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
- Valid state driver's license
- Annual driver's license verification
- Completion of National Safety Council Defensive Driving training once every three years
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.


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