Towson University (TU) has earned distinction as both a top-100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 20,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivating the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
The Director of Major Gifts, College of Liberal Arts, reporting to the Senior Director of Major Gifts, develops and executes major gift strategies to secure philanthropic support for Towson University, with a primary focus on the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). The Director serves as a strategic partner to the AVP of Development, provides major gift support to the CLA Dean and leaders, and functions as the University's philanthropic content expert for CLA.
As Towson University prepares for its next comprehensive campaign, the Director will be expected to think beyond existing portfolios and traditional networks by actively identifying new prospects, developing new relationships and creating opportunities for University-wide philanthropy. The Director will balance deep expertise in CLA with a broad institutional perspective and a commitment to advancing Towson University's overall philanthropic priorities. Telework may be available for this position up to two days per week following the completion of 90 days of service in good standing.
a. Manage a major gift portfolio focused on the College of Liberal Arts
Manage a portfolio of CLA donors and prospects with the capacity and inclination to make gifts of $25,000 or more. Develop and execute individualized prospect strategies encompassing identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, closure and stewardship. Build a dynamic pipeline of prospective donors through research, referrals, discovery meetings and strategic engagement with alumni, parents, friends and other University constituents. Maintain consistent in-person, virtual, telephone and electronic engagement and document all activity and strategies in the University's CRM system. Achieve established activity, pipeline and fundraising goals, with an emphasis on securing leadership and transformational gifts.
b. Serve as the College of Liberal Arts advancement content expert and strategic development partner
Partner closely with the AVP of Development, Senior Director of Major Gifts, Dean and CLA leadership to develop and execute the College of Liberal Arts advancement workplan. Serve as the primary development resource and content expert for CLA, developing a deep understanding of the college's academic programs, faculty expertise, student opportunities, institutional priorities and philanthropic needs. Collaborate with college leadership, department chairs, faculty and University Advancement colleagues to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling cases for support, prioritize prospects and create meaningful engagement opportunities. Coordinate prospect strategy and donor engagement across CLA to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to fundraising.
c. Serve as a regional generalist within the University's major gift program
Manage an assigned geographic region or regions as a University-wide major gift officer, with responsibility for identifying, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting CLA prospects as well as broader University prospects. Develop new relationships and expand Towson University's network of alumni, parents, friends and prospective supporters within the assigned region. Conduct regular regional travel and face-to-face visits, participate in University and regional events, and proactively identify new opportunities for engagement and philanthropy. Work collaboratively with other major gift officers and University Advancement colleagues to coordinate regional strategies, share intelligence and maximize opportunities across the institution.
d. Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree.
Minimum of three years of professional experience in fundraising, development, sales, relationship management, or a related field; experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising preferred.
Demonstrated success building and managing relationships with individuals capable of significant philanthropic or financial investment.
Experience managing a portfolio of prospects, clients, customers or donors and developing strategies that lead to measurable outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit prospective donors or clients.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling opportunities for engagement and investment.
Ability to quickly develop subject-matter expertise and effectively communicate complex academic, institutional or organizational priorities to a variety of audiences.
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with senior leaders, volunteers, donors, alumni and other external constituents.
Ability to work collaboratively across organizational units while also exercising independent judgment and initiative.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, relationships and deadlines simultaneously.
Experience using donor databases or customer relationship management systems to document activity, manage portfolios and track outcomes.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including regional and out-of-state travel, to meet with prospects and donors.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and other technology used to support fundraising and relationship management.
Must be team-oriented, creative, adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic, campaign-focused environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience securing major gifts of $25,000 or more.
Experience in higher education fundraising, comprehensive campaign fundraising or major gift development.
Demonstrated success developing new relationships and identifying previously unknown or minimally engaged prospects.
Experience working with deans, academic leaders, faculty or other institutional partners to develop fundraising priorities and cases for support.
Experience managing a geographic portfolio or regional fundraising program.
Knowledge of the liberal arts, higher education or related academic disciplines.
Experience with prospect research, portfolio development and moves management.
Experience working across institutional units to identify opportunities for cross-disciplinary or University-wide philanthropy.
Demonstrated ability to travel strategically and independently to expand an organization's network of prospects and supporters.
Targeted hiring range of $100,000-$110,000 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 17 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.
This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.
