Senior Director of Development, Principal Gifts (VPUR)
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Before you apply
Salary$155k – $185k
LocationUniversity of Maryland College Park
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityDirector
Experience7+ yrs
DepartmentVPUR-Principal Gifts
Company size10,000+ people
PostedSep 30, 2026 · 1mo ago
Verified live12h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Seven (7) years of professional development, fundraising or external relations experience
Knowledge of principles and best practices of major gift fundraising, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Knowledge of donor motivations, philanthropic trends, and prospect research methodologies
Skill in problem solving and strategic planning
Skill in oral and written communication
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws
Ability to interact with donors and senior-level executives and administrators
Ability to handle multiple tasks and strong adherence to deadlines
Progressively responsible experience in the field of advancement or related environment with demonstrated success in securing seven- and eight-figure gifts, and a deep understanding of the principal gift donor lifecycle
An appreciation for the University of Maryland's mission and values
Experience in high-level creative donor discovery outreach to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts in a higher education setting
Experience working with university leadership to execute prospect cultivation strategies
Experience working collaboratively as a peer leader on philanthropic gifts within a complex institution, preferably in higher education
Ability to act as the liaison for coordinating activity across multiple units
Broad understanding of higher education, particularly public research universities
Candidates must be able to provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA
This position does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check
Skills
Microsoft Office
Google Suite
Job Description Summary
Organization’s Summary Statement:
The University of Maryland’s Office of Principal Gifts seeks an experienced, strategic Senior Director of Development for Principal Gifts to advance the university’s principal gift fundraising program. The Office of Principal Gifts leads relationship strategy and engagement with the institution’s highest-capacity prospective donors.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts, the Senior Director of Development for Principal Gifts develops and executes comprehensive strategies to secure transformational philanthropic investments aligned with institutional priorities. This individual identifies and manages a selective portfolio of new high-capacity prospects, leads complex, long-term cultivation and solicitation efforts, and partners closely with senior leadership, academic deans and volunteers to advance the university’s most ambitious funding priorities.
Responsibilities
In addition to personally closing principal-level commitments, the Senior Director will supervise the Senior Program Director, Pipeline Development and Advancement Analytics and Senior Development Writer. They will provide strategic oversight of pipeline development, donor strategy, and proposal development.
The Senior Director will thrive in a highly collaborative environment, working in close partnership with central and unit-based fundraisers, University Relations colleagues, and campus leadership. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of principal gift success in higher education, with particular strength in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.
This position will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends. Regular local travel and out-of-area travel will be required approximately 25-40% of the time.
Nice to have
Preferences:
-Progressively responsible experience in the field of advancement or related environment with demonstrated success in securing seven- and eight-figure gifts, and a deep understanding of the principal gift donor lifecycle.
-An appreciation for the University of Maryland’s mission and values.
-Experience in high-level creative donor discovery outreach to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts in a higher education setting.
-Experience working with university leadership to execute prospect cultivation strategies.
-Experience working collaboratively as a peer leader on philanthropic gifts within a complex institution, preferably in higher education.
-Ability to act as the liaison for coordinating activity across multiple units.
-Broad understanding of higher education, particularly public research universities.
Physical Demands:
Traditional hybrid office environment. Will be required to work evenings and weekends as necessary. 25-40% travel is required.
Requirements
Licenses/ Certifications: n/a
Legal
*This position does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must be able to provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Seven (7) years of professional development, fundraising or external relations experience.
Other: The position may or may not involve supervisory responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of principles and best practices of major gift fundraising, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Knowledge of donor motivations, philanthropic trends, and prospect research methodologies.
Skill in problem solving and strategic planning.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to interact with donors and senior-level executives and administrators required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and strong adherence to deadlines required.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Resume & Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date: 10/15/2026
Posting Close Date: n/a
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland’s State Ethics Commission website.
Department
VPUR-Principal Gifts
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$154,636-$185,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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