Careers at Lehigh

Are you a seasoned fundraising professional driven by the power of philanthropy? Lehigh University, a prestigious institution renowned for academic excellence, is seeking a Director of Development, Northeast to join our dynamic Development and Alumni Relations team.

In this pivotal role, you will have the opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with major gift-level donors and prospects, playing a crucial role in securing financial support for Lehigh's mission. With your exceptional interpersonal skills and strategic approach, you will manage a portfolio of donors, facilitating all phases of the gift cycle, from initial contact to successful solicitation and stewardship.

Position Number: S83550

This position is a Grade: 12 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $103,300-$125,660 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop long term relationships for the university with major gift donors and prospective major gift donors to secure financial support for University priorities.
• Securing a minimum of $1.5 million annually in philanthropic support for the university through Activities the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift donors to the university.
• Assess capacity, determine inclination and identify donors' passions for areas of support through face-to-face visits.
• Develop a strategic pipeline of major gift solicitations from assigned prospects.
• Plans and executes strategies to qualify, cultivate, and solicit major gift-rated prospects in your portfolio and region in support of Institutional fundraising priorities.
• Become familiar with institutional fundraising priorities, understand the case for support for each, and explore opportunities for assigned alumni, parents, and friends to make an impact through their philanthropic support.
• Develop and execute strategies for each major gift donor in your assigned portfolio to guide your pipeline activity and travel plans.
• Plans, coordinates, and administers a comprehensive strategic development plan to engage major gift donors for a geographical region or a constituent group (College, Parents, International, etc.) as assigned. Serves as liaison to/from development team for region or constituent.
• Meet regularly with direct reports, managing progress toward goals and working with the Executive Director to analyze organizational needs, define structure, staff and job content.
• Track all fundraising activity in development database of record in a timely manner.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five to eight years related work experience in a development position in which external relationships have been strongly established
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships across departments and stakeholder groups

Join a university that values a supportive and inclusive work environment, offering competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth. At Lehigh, you'll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, empowering students, and making a lasting impact through education and research. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist. 
• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor
• This position is responsible for driving University-owned vehicles as a routine function, therefore a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is required

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.