Executive Director of Development, Centers and Institutes

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

Developing and maintaining a community of engaged donors able to provide individual support to academic initiatives and athletics is vital to the University and the mission of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The Executive Director of Development provides leadership for fundraising for special initiatives housed within Centers and Institutes across the University, and Athletics.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Supervise and manage the Directors of Development, Athletics, Administrative Coordinator and Major Gift Officers, as assigned.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Reporting to the AVP, Individual Giving, this position leads DAR efforts to integrate programmatic, facility, and operating plans for academic priorities housed both within school- and college-based Centers and Institutes, Libraries, as well as interdisciplinary initiatives and the University’s Athletics Department. The Executive Director is the primary contact within DAR for all University Centers and Institutes seeking support from individual donors. The Executive Director works directly with the Deans, academic program directors, coaches, specific faculty and staff to identify opportunities for providing significant support, then develops plans for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of philanthropic partnerships, with a focus on individual donors, particularly alumni and friends of the University. Teamwork and collaboration both across the University and with other development staff and alumni relations are essential.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The position leads a small team responsible for developing opportunities for transformational funding and philanthropy across the University.  The Executive Directors will be required to maintain an ongoing awareness of both existing and emergent academic and athletic programs, develop strong partnerships across campus and a working relationship with the Institutional Giving team to achieve DAR’s fundraising goals. The role is responsible for meeting annual revenue targets to be determined each fiscal year. Executive Directors are required to manage a personal portfolio of prospects at a specified high giving capacity, complete a required number of meetings each month, solicit donors directly, and keep accurate records of all interactions and fundraising activities.

CORE COMPETENCIES:    

• Proven success meeting financial targets and campaign management;
• Proficiency managing relationships with high-level prospects in an effort to secure five-, six- and seven-figure gifts;
• Mastery of moves management as well as planned giving concepts;
• Demonstrated ability to craft highly customized pitches and proposal;
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior university leadership across campus as well as multidisciplinary departments, sectors and teams;
• Adherence to standard operating procedures;
• Ability to navigate internal processes and structures to advance relationships with campus partners;
• Ability to provide leadership, problem-solve, and contribute to a tea