Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies
Advancement
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The Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies serves as the deputy chief development strategist and senior leader responsible for advancing Reed College’s philanthropic goals through thought leadership, high-level fundraising, and strategic execution of development initiatives. The Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies is accountable for setting and achieving multi-year fundraising goals, cultivating transformative gifts at the six-, seven-, and eight-figure levels, and ensuring operational excellence across all areas of development. This position is equivalent to Assistant Vice President positions at other institutions.
The Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies works closely with the Vice President of Advancement & College Relations, academic leadership, and key stakeholders, including trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, and corporate/foundation partners, to design and implement data-informed strategies for major, principal, and planned giving. This position requires an exceptional leader capable of translating institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that support the college’s mission and long-term sustainability.
The Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies will manage multiple teams including: Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Annual Fund, Prospect Research, and Donor Relations.
Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including a comprehensive and cost-free medical and dental insurance option for you (Reed pays 60% on medical and dental insurance premiums for your dependent), 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch, although some evenings and weekends will be required.
Essential job responsibilities include:
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
- Translate the Vice President’s strategic vision into annual and multi-year fundraising goals with measurable outcomes and accountability
- Serve as the key advisor to the Vice President for Advancement & College Relations and represent the division as needed in their absence
- Design and implement a comprehensive development strategy that incorporates annual, major, principal, and planned giving along with long-term campaign planning
- Serve as a senior fundraising partner to the President and college leadership; actively participate in donor solicitations and strategy development
- Cultivate and steward a portfolio of individual and institutional donors with a focus on securing transformational gifts
- Provide thought leadership and philanthropic training to faculty, staff, and volunteers to strengthen donor engagement across the college
- Represent Reed externally as an ambassador of its mission and fundraising priorities
- Manage all aspects of fundraising operations, gift planning, and donor relations to ensure operational efficiency, high-quality stewardship, and optimal team performance
- Partner with the Business Office and the director of college relations operations and information systems to ensure compliance and alignment of fundraising infrastructure
- Collaborate with Public Affairs to ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging and campaign branding
- Partner with Alumni Relations & Volunteer Engagement (ARVE) to strengthen alumni and parent participation, including engagement of new and diverse donor markets
- Leverage data analytics, donor research, and market trends to guide decision-making and inform campaign strategy
- Provide direct leadership to a high-functioning team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and continuous development
- Bachelor’s degree or experience in lieu
- 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development, including at least 5 years in executive or senior leadership roles within complex advancement operations
- Master’s degree
- Exposure with campaign planning and implementation
- Experience with complex gift planning structures and opportunities
- Corporate foundation and corporate relations and development experience
- Plus Delta certification for fundraising and fundraising management
- Advancement experience at a Research College
- Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major individual and institutional donors at the six- and seven-figure levels
Click below to apply. You will be directed to Interfolio to create a free account and begin your application. A resume and cover letter are required. You can submit these documents in any format, but pdf works best.
Applications will be considered as they are submitted so you are encouraged to apply early.
Reed College replies to every candidate. We will confirm that your application is received, and if you are not selected, we will let you know as soon as possible.
Background Check Requirement
A criminal conviction record check is required for all college staff positions as a condition of employment for selected candidates. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of this background check. A conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; each case is reviewed based on the nature of the conviction and its relevance to the responsibilities of the position.