Director of Development

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community - designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution - committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

The Director of Development serves as a strategic fundraising leader responsible for advancing philanthropic support for the Cotsakos College of Business and the Honors College. This role partners closely with academic leadership to translate institutional priorities into compelling donor opportunities and drives major gift fundraising through relationship-building, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. This role reports to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

• Demonstrates advanced ability to design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with institutional and academic priorities.
• Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major and principal gifts ($25K+).
• Ability to translate academic initiatives (scholarships, faculty support, innovation, student success) into compelling donor investment opportunities.
• Experience contributing to and advancing comprehensive fundraising campaigns and long-term revenue goals.

• Exceptional skill in building, managing, and deepening relationships with high-net-worth individuals, alumni, corporate leaders, foundations, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to develop trust-based, long-term partnerships that result in sustained philanthropic support.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, volunteers, and advisory boards.
• Strong interpersonal skills with cultural competence and emotional intelligence.

• Ability to serve as a trusted advisor and primary liaison to academic leadership, including Deans and senior administrators.
• Demonstrated success aligning fundraising initiatives with academic vision and institutional priorities.
• Skilled at influencing and collaborating across departments without direct authority.
• Ability to engage and mobilize volunteers, advisory boards, and leadership prospects in advancement efforts.

• Knowledge of corporate and foundation relations, including grant development, sponsor ships, and partnership cultivation.
• Ability to identify and secure strategic partnerships that enhance institutional visibility and financial support.
• Experience leveraging alumni networks, events, and engagement initiatives to strengthen donor pipelines.

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive storytelling and case development.
• Ability to create compelling proposals, presentations, stewardship reports, and donor communications.
• Skilled at tailoring messaging for diverse audiences (individual, corporate, foundation).

• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of major gift prospects using data-driven strategies.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems (e.g., Banner, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) to track activity, manage pipelines, and forecast revenue.
• Strong analytical skills to assess donor capacity, engagement, and strategy effectiveness.

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong planning and execution skills in support of events, campaigns, and donor engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with broader advancement goals.

• Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and adherence to ethical fundraising standards and confidentiality.
• Commitment to best practices in donor stewardship and institutional compliance.
• Exercises sound judgment, initiative, and accountability in managing donor relationships and institutional resources.

• Manage a…