Executive Director of Advancement, Principal Gifts

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Advancement, Principal Gifts will be part of a team that is focused on building a high-performing group of fund-development professionals committed to engaging and soliciting prospects in a strategic and collaborative manner.

Under the general leadership of UB’s Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement, the Executive Director is charged with raising private gifts for the university as part of the university’s overall fundraising program. The Executive Director’s primary responsibility is to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors capable of making gifts in the $1 million+ range from a portfolio of current and prospective donors from across the university.

UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence and making a positive impact on the world. Home to more than 31,000 students, the university is consistently recognized as one of the world’s most exceptional and most affordable universities, making it a top choice for students and faculty around the globe. We seek knowledge that leads to new cures, improved processes, stronger materials, faster computers, smarter software, smaller machines and thousands of other improvements. Building strong connections with our alumni and donors worldwide is critical to that vision. In the Division of University Advancement, we are leading the charge by helping foster a new UB environment that broadens opportunities for alumni engagement, capitalizes on positive student experiences and builds philanthropic support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree;
• A minimum of 10 years of large (7-8 figures) gift fundraising experience, including program planning and personal solicitation; proven success in goal achievement for operating, capital, and endowment fund development;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; negotiation skills; and the ability to deal with complex concepts and ambiguity;
· Demonstrated commitment to collaboration. The ability to work well both independently and collectively with other team members and in managing multiple projects and priorities;
· High level of personal and professional integrity and ethics;
· Excellent and mature judgment;
· Technical/digital competence;
· Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and interact effectively with donors and high-level volunteers;
· Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, including local and regional visits, and work evenings and occasional weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree;
• Fundraising experience at a large, complex higher education institution;
• Campaign experience;
• Demonstrated experience in engaging volunteers partners, such as academic leaders, faculty, and alumni, in the development of meaningful and productive relationships with prospects and donors;

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