Executive Director for Development

The Executive Director for Development (EDD) is a key administrator of the University of Maryland’s fundraising campaign and a leader in the Division of University Relations. The EDD is responsible for the overall management of a section of University Development’s major giving program and will lead by utilizing best practices for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing guidance, oversight and strategic direction to major gift officers in order to achieve fundraising objectives and goals as defined by University Relations and the colleges/units supported by University Relations. The incumbent will manage/coordinate travel and events in key development markets through collaboration with the other Executive Directors and will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.

This individual works with division and university leadership to develop long-range and annual operating plans, goals and new program initiatives for the units under their supervision and contributes to the division’s annual and strategic plan. The EDD ensures their success by monitoring progress toward the campaign goals and aiding in the development of crucial fundraising strategies. The EDD promotes and facilitates integration, collaboration and teamwork between all departments throughout the division and university as appropriate, to advance the overall mission and goals.

As a divisional leader, the EDD provides staff support and strategic direction for solicitations in coordination with executive leadership and leadership volunteers and attends meetings with his/her direct reports to assist in working with deans, donors, boards, colleagues, and/or volunteers.

The EDD attends, and may facilitate in areas of expertise, specialized training and development sessions with deans, vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, directors and seasoned and new professionals. The EDD attends university events and activities as needed, which may result in working evening and weekends.

We are hiring two Executive Directors.  One will oversee a group of Schools and Units, and the other will oversee constituent groups.  For additional details, please review the “additional information” section of the posting.    Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree required.
 
Experience:
Candidates must have at least 12 years of demonstrated fundraising or related experience.  They must also have experience managing multiple assignments and staff, as well as possess some supervisory experience.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Candidate must have strong interpersonal, management and organizational skills and excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Candidate must have the ability to work collaboratively among various levels of staff within the university, particularly the development, donor relations, and communications staff. 
• Ability to earn the confidence of a wide range of internal and external constituents. 
• Effective leadership capabilities; able to mentor and coach team in area of responsibility and the achievement of organization goals. 
• Ability to think strategically and achieve organization’s goals relating to position and to operationalize strategic goals into action plans. 
• Ability to provide oversight of compliance and regulatory requirements pertaining to position and maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to manage intense stress with multiple competing priorities while maintaining a positive attitude and affect. 
• Ability to find humor in day-to-day challenges while being focused on solutions. 
• Ability to manage details and complexity, to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously and to work under pressure. 
• Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, and problem-solving techniques in the decision-making process. 
• Must be able to speak effectively in a public or group setting.