Company Description:Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.
Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise". The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.
Job Description:Clark University seeks a strategic and results-driven Senior Executive Director of Individual Giving to lead its fundraising efforts, overseeing both annual and major giving functions. This key leadership role is responsible for managing a major gifts portfolio, directing a team of 9-10 advancement professionals, and working closely with senior university leadership to enhance philanthropic support. The Senior Executive Director serves as a member of the University Advancement Cabinet and plays a pivotal role in developing and executing fundraising strategies to meet ambitious financial goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy- Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies for annual and major giving programs.
- Serve as a key member of the University Advancement Cabinet, contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making.
- Set clear fundraising goals and performance metrics to track progress and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
Major & Annual Giving Management- Direct the annual giving and major giving teams to drive donor engagement and fundraising success.
- Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-level donors.
Team Leadership & Management- Lead a team of 9-10 fundraising professionals, including direct supervision of four key leaders:
- Director of The Clark Fund
- Senior Director of the Advancement Leaders Program
- Two Major Gifts Officers
- Oversee and support the Clark Advancement Leaders Program, a cohort of five fundraisers hired together who use AI technology to qualify and activate close to 5,000 prospects and donors who have annual giving and major giving capacity.
- Provide mentorship, professional development, and strategic guidance to enhance team performance.
Collaboration & University Engagement- Work closely with university leadership, faculty, and other stakeholders to advance fundraising priorities.
- Coordinate with the President on a monthly basis regarding team-related fundraising initiatives and major donor strategies.
- Travel regularly for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
EverTrue-Clark Advancement LabThis position would partner with the EverTrue-Clark Advancement Lab, a groundbreaking and collaborative initiative that brings together the expertise of EverTrue and Clark University. The mission of the lab is to reimagine the alumni and donor experience by leveraging the transformative role of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Requirements: - Minimum of 5+ years of experience in fundraising, with a strong preference for university or nonprofit settings.
- Proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-level donor relationships.
- Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring fundraising teams.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Strong goal orientation, with a focus on meeting and exceeding fundraising targets.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to travel regularly and work evenings and weekends as needed.
Additional Information:At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.
Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit
here.
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Application Instructions:To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a
Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the
APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:
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Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
A successful background check is required upon acceptance.
