Senior Director of Development for Engineering

Utah State University • Logan, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The College of Engineering (CoE) at Utah State University is seeking a Senior Director of Development to advance its mission through identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gifts. This role is crucial for supporting the college's growth and innovation, including new programs in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing. The Senior Director will work closely with the Dean, Executive Director of Development, and other stakeholders to align philanthropic support with strategic priorities. This position is part of a collaborative development team, responsible for maintaining a portfolio of high-capacity donors and corporate partners, strengthening relationships, and fostering a culture of philanthropy. The role requires extensive travel, including overnight trips, and occasional evening and weekend event attendance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to lead complex gift conversations and close significant philanthropic or corporate investments.
• Demonstrated track record of securing major gifts.
• Experience working effectively with senior administrators, deans, faculty, and advisory boards.
• Demonstrated experience staffing advisory councils, campaign committees, or similar groups.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, along with analytical and organizational abilities.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems and data-informed fundraising strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders including corporate partners.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry partners.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced academic degree.
• 10 years of progressive fundraising experience or comparable experience.
• Experience working in higher education or engineering-related fields.
• Experience designing and executing comprehensive or capital campaigns.
• Demonstrated success securing leadership or principal-level gifts, including corporate partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Successfully solicit major and principal gifts ($25,000 and above) from alumni, corporate partners, and friends of the College of Engineering, with a focus on securing leadership-level and transformational commitments.
• Strategically manage solicitation timing, amount, and purpose in alignment with college priorities, including support for emerging programs such as Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
• Develop and manage a multi-year pipeline of high-capacity individual and corporate prospects.
• Lead the development of compelling proposals that align donor interests with college priorities, including research, student success, faculty support, and innovation initiatives.
• Contribute to a high-performing, collaborative development team within the College of Engineering.
• Partner with the Executive Director of Development and colleagues to support team goals, strategy development, and overall fundraising success.
• Participate in joint donor visits and collaborative strategy discussions to enhance team effectiveness.
• Support a positive, accountable, and donor-focused team culture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and corporate partners through strategic outreach and engagement.
• Engage industry partners in supporting research, workforce development, and innovation aligned with the college’s growth.
• Cultivate and steward donors through meaningful communication that demonstrates impact and strengthens long-term engagement.
• Manage prospects through deliberate strategies to enhance engagement and increase philanthropic investment in the College of Engineering.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of philanthropic giving methods, including complex and blended gifts, to support meaningful donor conversations.
• Align fundraising strategies with college priorities and broader campaign initiatives.
• Maintain deep knowledge of college priorities, funding opportunities, and emerging initiatives to effectively connect donors with areas of impact.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director of Development, Dean, faculty, department heads, and colleagues to identify and advance funding opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding fundraising opportunities and impact.
• Represent the College of Engineering in donor meetings, corporate engagements, and public events with professionalism and credibility.
• Support advisory boards, councils, and industry partners connected to the college.
• Uphold and promote the university’s mission, vision, and impact in all interactions.
• Meet and exceed annual metrics including major and principal gift revenue, donor visits, solicitations, and pipeline development.
• Contribute to overall team success and collective fundraising outcomes.

Benefits

• Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior