New

Director of Development, Major Gifts

DePaul University
paid time off, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Illinois, Chicago
1 East Jackson Boulevard (Show on map)
May 28, 2026
We have 2 positions within Major Gifts available. With this application, you will be considered for both roles. Each role has a different academic area focus, which will be reviewed if you are contacted for a phone interview. The Highlights: The Director of Development leads a comprehensive fundraising strategy supporting major gift efforts for the College of Education (COE), the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), and other university units with comprehensive campaign-related philanthropic priorities, including, but not limited to, Student Affairs, Mission and Ministry, Global Engagement, and University Libraries. The Director's primary charge is to focus on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors, including a segment of top-rated current parents. The Director manages a prospect portfolio on behalf of the College/School and units and contributes to strategies that strengthen philanthropic support for priority programs and initiatives across the University, and will be responsible for meeting specific metrics designed to assure a disciplined approach to building a successful major gift program. What You'll Do: 1. Directs the identification, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects/donors, including alumni, parents, and friends of the College of Education, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and other university units with comprehensive campaign-related philanthropic priorities (i.e., Mission and Ministry, Student Affairs, Libraries, etc.). Develop and implement strategies to engage parents with major and leadership gift potential as philanthropic partners. Ensures that, over time, assigned areas have sufficient qualified major gift prospects to achieve established goals. 2. Create and implement annual and long-range major gift solicitation plans based on specific metrics and financial goals. Ensure solicitation plans, reports, and shifts in stages of readiness are accurately noted and regularly maintained in the division's relationship management platform. 3. Provide strategic project and outreach support to leadership of the College/School, university units, and/or Associate Vice President of Advancement. Support donor, prospect, and parent engagement activities, including coordination of outreach aligned with fundraising and campaign priorities. Participates, as appropriate, in university-wide initiatives, task forces, and committees, representing assigned areas in select engagement activities. 4. Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to pursue professional development opportunities in the field of Advancement. 5. This position is responsible for the expense against budget for the fundraising budget for COE and SCPS. What You'll Need: * Bachelor's degree, required; * 3 - 5 years of increasing responsibility as a professional fundraiser, focused on cultivating and soliciting major gifts; experience working with parent prospects, preferred. * Polished, professional demeanor and superior written and verbal communication skills. * Willingness to develop relationships with colleagues across all areas of Advancement and the ability to work successfully with a wide variety of colleagues throughout campus. * Enthusiasm, a commitment to excellence, motivational ability, and the ability to successfully interact with high net-worth individuals and their families. * Ability to develop and organize long-term plans and execute those plans. * Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with fundraising CRM systems; Salesforce, preferred. * A creative, entrepreneurial approach to working with academic partners. * Excellent personal presentation and superior communication skills. * Comfortable operating independently and taking initiative within the context of team-based, collaborative environment. * Position requires some travel. * Occasional evening and weekend work for events and donor meetings. The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $74,367 to $100,000. The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget. Perks: Working for a stable and well-known University. Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits. Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%. Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more! Full-Time Benefits For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter. Vincentian Mission: Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported. Required Background Check: Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check. DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.