Senior Director of Development & Alumni Affairs

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Residing at the Yale David Geffen School of Drama and reporting to the Dean of the Yale School of Drama/Yale Repertory Theatre (DGSD/YRT) and working with Yale University’s Vice for President for Development, working closely with DGSD/YRT Deputy Dean/Managing Director, oversee and supervise the organization, implementation and staff for fundraising and alumni affairs activities for DGSD/YRT.  Mentor students working in various areas of development.

Responsibilities:
1.    Oversee all DGSD/YRT solicitation campaigns/strategies, development and alumni affairs priorities/opportunities; and relationships with and tracking/monitoring of donors and prospects.  
2.    Develop annual, endowment, planned giving, and capital campaigns for DGSD/YRT.  In concert with DGSD/YRT personnel and Yale University Development Office, implement and oversee said campaigns.
3.    Oversee and participate in all aspects of prospect solicitation from initial identification, through cultivation, solicitation, closure and follow-up. 
4.    Oversee creation and implementation of all alumni affairs programs and events.
5.    Develop and oversee annual Development/Alumni Affairs Department budget.  Develop and meet major gifts activity and revenue goals.
6.    Oversee and write, as appropriate, comprehensive proposals promoting gift and grant opportunities for DGSD/YRT.  Coordinate closely with the University Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations on written proposals being sent out for specific projects.
7.    Serve as liaison to DGSD/YRT Board of Advisors, Yale University Development Office and appropriate University officers and departments.  Interact directly with DGSD/YRT faculty, staff, and students, University officers, and various University departments on matters pertaining to fundraising for DGSD/YRT.
8.    Oversee and mentor students assigned on rotation to Development Department.  In concert with Chair of Theater Management Program, coordinate, implement and evaluate students’ training in the area of development.
9.    Participate in DGSD/YRT annual and long range planning meetings and processes.
10.    Oversee, and participate in as appropriate, prospect research, rating and screening.
 

Principal Responsibilities

1. Responsible for planning, managing, and executing all aspects of development effort. 2. Works closely with senior management to develop both short- and long-term fundraising goals and strategies, including a strategic plan for building a post-campaign pipeline in anticipation of the next campaign. 3. Works with staff to develop and implement plans to carry out the organization's goals and strategies, including establishing specific activity goals for all phases of the donor/prospect life-cycle (cultivation, solicitation, closure and stewardship). 4. Directs and grows a team of development professionals responsible for generating an increased volume of successful development activities and establishing a culture that encourages ever-improving levels of performance and responsiveness to donors. 5. Develops strong ties with the faculty in order to understand and support the organization's programs and mission. 6. Manages engagement of faculty, administrators, and University officials in fundraising efforts. 7. Manages and staffs the senior management development activities and calendar to ensure maximum deployment. 8. Personally maintains a significant portfolio of leadership and principal gift prospects. 9. Participates in the development of strategy and content for all development publications and events. 10. If requested, develops and maintains relationships with members of the School Fund Board, if in existence. 11. Works regularly and cooperatively with other development offices to ensure overall development priorities, plans, and initiatives are coordinated. 12. Serves as the liaison with other development offices to provide information on organization needs and to develop strategies for prospects that are staffed centrally. 13. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree and ten years of related work experience in an academic institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

08/18/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Development

Compensation Grade Profile

Development Director (Ungraded)

Salary Range

0.