Senior Managing Director of Major and Principal Gifts

Senior Managing Director of Major and Principal Gifts

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Bentley University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Senior Managing Director of Major and Principal Giving. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportuni

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, the Senior Managing Director of Major and Principal Gifts (SMD) is a key leadership role responsible for driving Bentley University’s philanthropic efforts focused on gifts of $100,000 and above. The SMD will oversee a high-performing team of frontline fundraisers and will personally manage a select portfolio of major and principal donors. This leader will set ambitious fundraising goals, establish and refine data-driven strategies, and ensure the team’s success in achieving and exceeding a baseline minimum of $10 - $15 million annually, with growth expectations over time.

The ideal candidate is an experienced manager, strategic thinker and proven fundraiser with a strong command of data analytics, team performance management, and donor strategy. They will be a collaborative leader with a deep commitment to advancing the mission of Bentley University through transformative philanthropy.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive major and principal giving strategy that aligns with the University’s fundraising priorities and supports a minimum annual goal of $10-15 million, with a focus on long‑term growth.
• Lead and inspire a team of 5+ frontline fundraisers, implementing metrics and KPIs for portfolio management and revenue generation.
• Implement data‑driven approaches to assess and optimize fundraiser performance, inform training and coaching, and improve qualification, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Partner with leadership in annual giving and gift planning to create comprehensive solicitation strategies that support mutually shared goals.
• Collaborate with the Office of Alumni & Family Engagement and the Pulsifer Career Development Center to maximize resources and create opportunities to engage prospects and donors through events and other activities.
• Work with prospect research and advancement services, continuously analyze prospect and donor data to identify new opportunities, track progress toward goals, and refine team strategies for maximum impact.
• Manage a portfolio of high‑capacity prospects and donors, ensuring meaningful engagement, timely solicitations, and effective stewardship.
• Leverage industry best practices, technology, and innovation to streamline operations, enhance donor experience, and ensure year‑over‑year growth in fundraising outcomes.
• Model and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence, while advancing Bentley University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Participate in and organize, as appropriate, the planning of targeted cultivation events locally and out of state.
• Attend and staff events which may require travel, evening, and weekend responsibilities.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience in higher education or other complex organizations, with a proven track record of closing six- and seven‑figure gifts and managing high‑performing fundraising teams.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience managing a team.
• Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding fundraising goals, particularly gifts of $1 million or more.
• Strong proficiency in CRM donor databases, data analytics tools, and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to evolving circumstances, and work collaboratively across a complex organization.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
• Must hold and maintain a valid, unrestricted US driver’s license, with an insurable driving history as determined by Bentley’s insurance carrier.

• Hybrid work environment with 2-3…