The University of Maryland’s Office of Principal Gifts seeks an experienced, strategic Senior Director of Development for Principal Gifts to advance the university’s principal gift fundraising program. The Office of Principal Gifts leads relationship strategy and engagement with the institution’s highest-capacity prospective donors.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts, the Senior Director of Development for Principal Gifts develops and executes comprehensive strategies to secure transformational philanthropic investments aligned with institutional priorities. This individual identifies and manages a selective portfolio of new high-capacity prospects, leads complex, long-term cultivation and solicitation efforts, and partners closely with senior leadership, academic deans and volunteers to advance the university’s most ambitious funding priorities.
In addition to personally closing principal-level commitments, the Senior Director will supervise the Senior Program Director, Pipeline Development and Advancement Analytics and Senior Development Writer. They will provide strategic oversight of pipeline development, donor strategy, and proposal development.
The Senior Director will thrive in a highly collaborative environment, working in close partnership with central and unit-based fundraisers, University Relations colleagues, and campus leadership. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of principal gift success in higher education, with particular strength in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.
This position will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends. Regular local travel and out-of-area travel will be required approximately 25-40% of the time.
Preferences:
-Progressively responsible experience in the field of advancement or related environment with demonstrated success in securing seven- and eight-figure gifts, and a deep understanding of the principal gift donor lifecycle.
-An appreciation for the University of Maryland's mission and values.
-Experience in high-level creative donor discovery outreach to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts in a higher education setting.
-Experience working with university leadership to execute prospect cultivation strategies.
-Experience working collaboratively as a peer leader on philanthropic gifts within a complex institution, preferably in higher education.
-Ability to act as the liaison for coordinating activity across multiple units.
-Broad understanding of higher education, particularly public research universities.
Physical Demands:
Traditional hybrid office environment. Will be required to work evenings and weekends as necessary. 25-40% travel is required.
Licenses/ Certifications: n/a
*This position does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must be able to provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA.Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Seven (7) years of professional development, fundraising or external relations experience.
Other: The position may or may not involve supervisory responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of principles and best practices of major gift fundraising, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Knowledge of donor motivations, philanthropic trends, and prospect research methodologies.
Skill in problem solving and strategic planning.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to interact with donors and senior-level executives and administrators required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and strong adherence to deadlines required.
Additional Job DetailsRequired Application Materials: Resume & Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date: 10/15/2026
Posting Close Date: n/a
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job RisksNot Applicable to This PositionFinancial Disclosure RequiredNoFor more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment EligibilityThe successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO StatementThe University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Seven years of professional development, fundraising, or external relations experience
- Knowledge of major gift fundraising principles and practices, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Knowledge of donor motivations, philanthropic trends, and prospect research methodologies
- Strategic planning and problem-solving skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products
- Ability to develop and administer policies and procedures
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws
- Ability to interact with donors and senior-level executives and administrators
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated success securing seven- and eight-figure gifts
- Experience in higher education advancement and principal gift fundraising
- Experience with creative donor discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and gift closing
- Experience partnering with university leadership on prospect cultivation strategies
- Experience working collaboratively across a complex institution
- Broad understanding of higher education and public research universities
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