Senior Director, Development
Location: Boston Campus · Type: Full time · Posted: 2026-06-22 ·
Reference: JR008800
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The Senior Director, Development is a senior-level fundraising professional
responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding the
College's high-capacity prospects. Reporting to the Vice President (VP) of
Institutional Advancement, the Senior Director focuses on securing
transformational commitments at the $500,000+ level. The Senior Director
serves as a strategic partner to the President, the Vice President of
Institutional Advancement, and the College's academic and auxiliary
leadership, aligning donor interests with the College's highest strategic
priorities and campaign initiatives. In addition to managing a personal
portfolio of principal gift prospects, the Senior Director provides mentorship
to other development team members and leadership in developing complex gift
strategies that involve multiple institutional partners.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Manage a selective portfolio of approximately 75 major and principal gift
prospects with the capacity to make transformational investments in the
College, primarily located up and down the East Coast.
Lead the design and execution of bespoke cultivation and solicitation
strategies for high six- and seven-figure gifts, including blended gifts
(outright and planned giving).
Partner with the President and VP of Institutional Advancement to prepare
for high-level donor interactions, providing comprehensive briefings,
talking points, and strategic follow-up plans.
Write and oversee the creation of highly personalized, complex gift
proposals and case statements that articulate the impact of
transformational philanthropy.
Maintain regular engagement with the academic Deans and Chairs,
translating their funding needs into philanthropic opportunities. Ensure
fundraising objectives align with the strategic plan and campaign
priorities.
Maintain a consistent schedule of debriefs with the VP and President
following all significant donor interactions; ensure all field activity is
documented immediately in the CRM database to provide leadership with a
real-time view of the principal gift pipeline.
Work in close coordination with the VP to ensure principal gift activity
is fully integrated into the broader campaign timeline and goal-setting.
Serve as a mentor for development team members, providing guidance on
"moves management" for donors with high growth potential.
In close coordination with the President and VP, strategically engage and
support high-level volunteers and Trustees in the identification and
solicitation of major and principal gift prospects.
Develop and implement high-touch, individualized stewardship plans for
principal gift donors to ensure continued engagement and future
investment.
Maintain meticulous records of donor interactions, strategies, and
solicitations in the advancement database to ensure accurate reporting and
pipeline tracking.
Stay abreast of trends in wealth management, tax law, and philanthropic
vehicles to advise donors on the most effective ways to structure
significant gifts.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and
represent what is needed to effectively perform job.
Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, Business,
or a related field or equivalent experience required; Master's degree or
higher preferred.
Minimum 8-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience in
higher education or a complex non-profit environment required.
Proven success in personally closing seven-figure ($1M+) gifts and
managing a pipeline of high six- and seven-figure prospects required.
Driver's license required.
Professional experience working and/or fundraising in communication, arts,
media, or equivalent fields preferred.
Previous experience working within a multi-year comprehensive campaign is
preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-
inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with
the job.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate complex
social and professional settings with high-net-worth individuals and
institutional leaders.
Ability to think creatively about donor interests and institutional needs
to build "win-win" funding opportunities.
Masterful written and oral communication skills, with the ability to
articulate the College's vision in a way that inspires transformational
giving.
Ability and willingness to frequently share status and plans for donors
with College leadership.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively across a matrixed organization,
building consensus with faculty, deans, and senior administrators.
Strong understanding of planned giving vehicles, complex assets, and the
financial implications of large-scale philanthropic commitments.
Strong understanding and experience on the application of AI tools for
fundraising and relationship management preferred.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance
of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are
representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully
perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Requires the ability to travel frequently, both locally and nationally,
and occasionally globally, and work occasional evenings and weekends for
donor events.
Usual office conditions; however, significant time is spent off-campus in
face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors.
WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly
associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
Usual office conditions
IN-OFFICE EXPECTATIONS
This position is primarily a hybrid role with expected days in the office each
week.
The hybrid arrangement will be made upon hire. Candidates must reside within a
reasonable commuting distance of the Boston campus to ensure operational
effectiveness. This arrangement must be approved as outlined in the Remote
Work Policy.
Compensation: $131,900.00 - $168,200.00 annually, commensurate with
experience.
Grade of Position: 23-14E
Employment Category: Regular
.
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25
In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the
health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous
benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.
Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits
eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans
with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs,
and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once
eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage and
commuter offerings, are available.
Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and
eligibility requirements.
