• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range:

Position Summary

This leadership position reports directly to the Associate Dean, Alumni & Development, and is responsible for managing a team of alumni and development professionals, and also for the management of a significant major gifts fundraising portfolio that supports the major goals of the school.

The Director of Development serves as a strong partner with the Associate Dean in developing, with school leadership and university colleagues, the cultivation, development and stewardship plans for relationships with donors, prospects, and alumni. The Director of Development will work with the Dean, as well as with leading faculty and senior administrators, to solicit major and leadership gifts. 

This is an exciting time for the Alumni and Development Office of the Graduate School of Journalism with newly appointed Dean Jelani Cobb, a distinguished historian and journalist, and leading voice on race, politics and culture.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Builds and maintains relationships with both new and current donors, both individual and institutional.
• Engages, cultivates, solicits, and maintains these identified high-level donors, creating and identifying new giving opportunities and stewarding existing donors.
• Supports assigned volunteers with all aspects of solicitation work.
• Identifies and enlists new prospects; and undertakes other development assignments.
• Manages day-to-day development operations of annual fund, stewardship, and grants management.
• Manages relationships with other school offices including in academic affairs, the dean’s office, finance, and career services.
• Partners with Associate Dean to ensure fundraising meets budget and school needs.           
• Provides direction and ongoing feedback to development staff and conducts regular performance evaluation discussions; performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience are required. At least one (1) year of previous management experience or leadership role preferred. Must possess demonstrated experience in soliciting high-level gifts. Must possess demonstrated experience writing proposals and other development communications. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is needed. This position requires evening work and travel as necessary.

Must be detail oriented, use excellent independent judgment and initiative, and have a proactive donor-centric attitude when interacting with alumni and other constituencies. Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. Must possess the ability to work with changing priorities and multiple projects. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and active listening skills. Must be able to problem-solve and troubleshoot, in addition to the ability to work independently in a dynamic team environment. Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with a diverse group of administrators and academic leaders.

The successful candidate will be an effective, motivating manager, as well as fundraiser and manager of donor and alumni relationships. The individual must work well with all levels of management, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization. Excellent interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence, with an ability to grow and maintain short and long-term productive relationships internally and externally.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree and prior experience at an academic research institution are desirable.

Other Requirements

Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.