The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University is distinguished by its analytical rigor, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to solving complex business problems. Our faculty are internationally recognized leaders across fields including operations research, organizational behavior, economics, and finance. Tepper prepares students to lead in a data-driven, technology-enabled global economy. We seek to enhance the visibility of Tepper’s programs, students and faculty among key corporate audiences; and position Tepper as a thought partner to industry by connecting corporate leaders with faculty expertise and research insights. As the Tepper community grows, we are searching for a Director of Annual Giving to join our team.
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Advancement, this role will manage annual giving and development staff members and will be responsible for the strategic management of the annual giving program and the coordination of this program with the university.
Core responsibilities include:
Managing a comprehensive communications plan and annual solicitation schedule, including channels of direct mail, email, web, social media, and texting
Overseeing volunteer management utilizing peer to peer giving, including Reunion giving (1 & every 5-year milestone model)
Devising and implementing strategies to grow current-use dollars (including cash and multiple year pledges) and alumni participation levels
Measuring and analyzing annual fund performance throughout the fiscal year, making operational adjustments as warranted to ensure attainment of goals; projecting annual goals based on historical performance of the program and needs of the Tepper School; determining opportunities for growth based on data
Preparing fundraising reports and communications for donors, volunteers and management
Reporting on key benchmarks and staff progress to Associate Dean of Advancement consistently to seek guidance and support
Keeping current on programs and faculty, research and student initiatives at the university; networks with Tepper faculty, staff and leadership as appropriate
Tracking and monitoring actual annual giving program expenses monthly
Supervising two staff members who focus on Reunion Giving and Donor Relations
Maintaining an assigned portfolio of alumni and friends for cultivation and solicitation; travel required
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:
Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising, customer relationship management, and gift administration.
The ability to understand the objectives of the Tepper School, the University Advancement Division, and the university, and to integrate team goals with those objectives.
The ability to articulate the case for support so that individuals "buy into" the vision/mission/goals and encourage them to make gifts and pledges to the Tepper School and Carnegie Mellon
Effective verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Strong data analytical skills to assess and act upon information derived from both statistical and anecdotal sources
excellent problem solving and reasoning skills
ability to manage staff and develop and manage projects and related budgets
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
5-8 years of experience in higher ed or non-profit fundraising, with a focus on annual giving strategies.
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
Annual GivingPosition 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
- 5-8 years of experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising, focused on annual giving strategies
- 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 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.








