Director of Development

Director of Development

Posting Details: Posting Number: S;

Position Title:

Director of Development;
Position Type:
Staff;

Location:

Villanova, PA;
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants;

Work Schedule:

full-time / 12 months;
Avg Hours per Week: ;
Department: 604 - University Advancement.

Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.

Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!

• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more
  .

Villanova University has embarked on a 10‑year strategic plan,
Rooted. Restless. with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission‑driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University's philanthropic supporters as we "keep moving" in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova's comprehensive capital campaign:
Espiritus Nova.

The Director of Development, reporting to the Executive Director of Annual Giving, is responsible for driving philanthropic growth through both personal fundraising and the leadership of a high‑performing team. This individual will be a dynamic and strategic frontline fundraiser with a proven track record of closing major gifts, while also serving as a mentor and manager to a team of development officers.

The Director will play a central role in strengthening the leadership annual giving program, ensuring a robust pipeline of current and future major gift donors in alignment with the overall advancement goals.

The Director will manage and grow a personal portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects, with a focus on securing commitments at the five‑ and six‑figure level in support of Villanova's mission and strategic priorities. The incumbent will engage donors through the full cycle of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, inspiring them to invest in the public phase of Villanova's comprehensive campaign, Espiritus Nova.

The Director of Development will lead, mentor, and develop a team of development officers, fostering a collaborative and mission‑driven culture that emphasizes accountability, professional growth, and success. The Director is expected to establish clear fundraising goals and performance metrics for the team, providing coaching and guidance to ensure individual and collective achievement.

The Director will collaborate with colleagues across Advancement, and partners throughout campus to advance institutional priorities. A successful Director will be independent, self‑motivated and metrics‑driven, and represent the University with professionalism and passion while articulating the University's mission and impact.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

• Frontline Fundraising:
  Identifies and manages a portfolio of 100‑125 prospects rated $100K+ with a focus on securing multi‑year commitments at the five‑ and six‑figure level. Conducts 8‑10 prospect visits per month to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni, parents and friends. Builds effective relationships and implements…