Senior Director of Development, College of Design, Architecture, Art Planning

Senior Director of Development, College of Design, Architecture, Art, & Planning

Job Category
:
Development

Requisition Number
: SENIO
001261

• Posted :
  January 16, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Showing 1 location

University of Cincinnati Foundation
Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

At the University of Cincinnati Foundation, we commit ourselves to providing a place where everyone belongs. We care deeply about those in our community, while also taking care to nurture new relationships. We have the courage to dream big, drive excellence and uphold integrity in our work.

Structure

The Senior Director of Development, College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development.

Focus

The Senior Director of Development is responsible for planning, implementing and managing fundraising initiatives for the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), with a goal of increasing gifts in the $100K to $1M+ range. The Senior Director will develop and execute a strategic plan for the college major gifts program, which will position it to achieve significant growth. Key elements of the plan will address pipeline development, portfolio optimization, and alignment to campaign priorities.

Specific Duties

• Work closely with the Assistant Vice President for Development in the preparation of an annual plan and the setting of goals.
• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects ($100,000+); cultivate and solicit major and special gifts by making visits to alumni and friends within and outside the Cincinnati region in conjunction with the UCF development program.
• Work closely with the Dean, academic departments, and other college personnel to prioritize college fundraising initiatives and activities. Facilitate the understanding and participation of faculty and professional staff leaders in the development process.
• Work collaboratively with UCF departments and fundraising specialists (prospect development, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, and national programs) to enhance fundraising revenue and donor impact.
• Assist development officers, the Dean, and donors to develop proposals and gift agreements that adhere to the UC Foundation Gift Acceptance Policy and that reflect the intentions of the donor and the needs of the university.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and donors, developing and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, stakeholders and partners.
• Engage the support and partnership of faculty and professional staff leaders in the college to facilitate both their understanding of and participation in the development process.
• Recruit and involve volunteers for college activities; coordinate with the Dean, the engagement and activities of advisory boards and/or other volunteer groups which support the college’s advancement efforts.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with DAAP faculty and staff, and external relations personnel.
• Prepare timely contact reports and ensure the accuracy of monthly reports.
• Participate fully in the UCF prospect and clearance process.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 7-10 years of progressively responsible major gift fundraising experience or advanced degree with 5-7 years of experience.
• Record of successful major gift solicitation and closure ($100K level and above).
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact favorably with a diverse group of individuals and to foster strong, productive relationships.
• Willingness to travel and attend evening and weekend activities as needed. Valid driver’s license required for travel.
• A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati.

What We Offer

The anticipated starting salary range for the Senior Director of Development, College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) is $110,000 to $130,000 annually
. When determining final offer amount the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the…