University Advancement Associate Director

Rochester Institute of Technology•Rochester, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University Advancement Associate Director builds and advances the prospect pipeline in support of university priorities, with a dedicated focus on Parents, Sentinel Society, and Athletics. The position manages a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies that strengthen relationships and result in leadership, annual, and major gifts. The Associate Director also maintains a strong focus on discovery and qualification, with an expectation of approximately 150 prospect and donor visits annually. This role collaborates across University Advancement and with university partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to expand Sentinel Society membership, engage parents and Athletics prospects, and coordinate stewardship and donor engagement opportunities that strengthen philanthropic support for RIT. RIT's Division of University Advancement builds meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and other partners whose engagement and philanthropy advance the university's mission. The division is a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that values trust, accountability, innovation, and shared expertise. Advancement professionals have the opportunity to connect supporters with transformative initiatives that fuel student success, groundbreaking research, experiential learning, and programs that shape the future of technology, health sciences, and creative problem-solving. Closely aligned with their dedicated college(s), the Senior Advancement Director serves as a trusted strategic partner to college leadership and faculty. This role connects donor passions with opportunities that advance education, student achievement, faculty excellence, innovative research, and emerging university priorities. Working within a university recognized for its hands-on approach, industry partnerships, and commitment to innovation, the Senior Advancement Director plays a key role in securing philanthropic investments that create lasting impact for students, faculty, and the broader community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field
5 years of relevant experience
Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered
Knowledge of cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts
Skill in written and verbal communication
Ability to network, establish, and foster working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple projects, take initiative, and coordinate follow-up
Ability to collect, synthesize, and process information quickly and accurately
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards leadership annual gift and major gift donors and prospects in coordination with faculty, staff, and volunteers
Manages a robust portfolio of prospects, creates fundraising strategies, develops relationships with donors, solicits gifts, and coordinates effective donor stewardship
Develops an understanding of the educational, research, operational, and financial needs and goals of assigned college
Cultivates relationships with alumni, parents, companies, and other friends, and collaborates with the teams in planned giving, principal giving, alumni relations, parent engagement, regional advancement, and corporate and foundation relations to encourage donors to support university initiatives
Plans, coordinates, and directs special events for donors and prospects
Updates the prospect management database with information related to donor strategies, proposals, contacts, and results