Description
Director of Development
Remote – US (West Coast, preferred)
DEPARTMENT Office of Development and Alumni Relations
LOCATION Remote – US (West Coast, preferred)
JOB TYPE Full-Time | Staff Position
DEADLINE TO APPLY 2026 January 16th
SUPERVISOR Reports directly to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations or any other supervisor designed by the President.
Summary:
Reporting to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Development plays a pivotal role in driving philanthropic support for AUP. Working closely with the entire Development and Alumni Relations team, the Director works to deepen alumni, family and donor engagement, strengthen relationships across AUP’s global community, and secure meaningful investment in the University’s strategic priorities.
This position is central to expanding AUP’s culture of philanthropy by designing programs and events that connect potential mission, highlight the impact of AUP’s academic and co-curricular offerings, and cultivate stronger pathways for long-term engagement. The Director will manage a portfolio of prospects and is responsible for securing donor support, with a particular focus on major gifts (€25,000+), planned gifts and lead annual gifts (€1,000+).
RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising – 70%
Identify, qualify, solicit, and steward major, planned and lead annual gifts in support of AUP.
Actively manage a portfolio of between 100-150 major gift prospects including alumni, families, and friends.
Conduct 100-120 face to face or virtual meetings annually with alumni, parents and other constituent prospects.
Review prospect lists to identify potential donors, conduct research and qualify capacity and inclination to explore philanthropic opportunities at AUP.
In coordination with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, develop proposals and funding opportunities that support the philanthropic priorities of AUP.
Create, participate in or support events and initiatives to engage donors, raise visibility, and build community around fundraising goals and strategic initiatives in key markets.
Work with Administrative & Advancement Coordinator and the Advancement Operations Manager to develop stewardship plans and gift recognition opportunities for donors.
Record and maintain accurate donor/prospect data and contact reports in the CRM / database; track pipeline, gift commitments, follow-through, and stewardship activities.
Parent and Family Engagement – 20%
Coordinate with the Admissions and Communications teams to develop regular communications with parents and families related to philanthropy and engagement with the campus community.
Develop and plan virtual and in-person and leverage existing events that increase parent and family engagement (i.e. Fall and Spring Family Orientation, Founding Week, Admitted Students Receptions).
Lead and manage a (future) parent and family volunteer board, including recruitment, training, meeting management, and integration of volunteers into fundraising and engagement strategies.
General Administration - 10%
Assist in monitoring the Development and Alumni Relations shared email inboxes, ensure all messages are responded to by the appropriate party.
Update contact information, profile data, contact reports and donor records to maintain the accuracy of information within Raiser Edge RE-NXT.
Document gifts, pledges and planned gifts in accordance with office policies.
As a member of a small team, the Director of Development and Alumni Relations will regularly be called upon to assist with other departmental tasks and programs.
Other appropriate duties may also be assigned as requested by the Supervisor and according to the needs of the Department.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Undergraduate degree required; Master’s degree preferred
Prior work in a higher education administrative setting
Excellent English verbal and written communication skills required, basic French language skills a plus.
Ability and willingness to become proficient with a relational database is required; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge – RE-NXT a plus.
Experience with major gift skills development programs such as Moves Management or Plus Delta Partners.
Professionally mature, motivated to learn, and flexible in response to shifting priorities.
Excellent organizational skills, including careful attention to detail.
Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team.
Demonstrates cultural literacy and can work with a globally diverse constituent base.
Hospitable and discreet, with a client-friendly attitude and the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information across cultural boundaries; representative of the AUP spirit
Ability to travel at least 4-6 days per month with annual travel to campus for flagship events.
APPLICATIONS
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment.hr@aup.edu and title the email in the following convention: “First and Last name – Director of Development”.
