Executive Director of Major and Principal Gifts

Position Overview:

Merrimack College seeks a dynamic and experienced fundraising professional to serve as the Executive Director of Major and Principal Gifts. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement and CMO, this individual will lead and manage the College’s frontline major gift fundraising efforts and serve as a senior member of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR).

The Executive Director is responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, while also overseeing and supporting a team of frontline fundraisers working toward major and principal gift goals. This leader will drive strategy, accountability and collaboration within the team to achieve fundraising goals in support of the College’s priorities and comprehensive campaign, Together We Rise.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the senior leader for major gift fundraising, setting strategy and driving results across the frontline fundraising team.

• Manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects ($50K+), advancing relationships and securing significant philanthropic support.

• Provide direct supervision, coaching and support to a team of major gift officers and other frontline fundraisers.

• Develop and implement metrics and accountability structures for frontline fundraising staff.

• Partner with the Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement & CMO on strategy development and campaign planning to advance institutional priorities.

• Collaborate with senior leaders across ODAR, including donor relations, annual giving, prospect research, alumni engagement and stewardship.

• Work closely with senior leaders and faculty across the College as well as trustees and volunteers to advance donor engagement and institutional fundraising.

• Ensure best practices in moves management, pipeline development and donor-centric relationship building.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in development, with demonstrated success in major gift fundraising.

• Experience managing and mentoring a team of fundraisers with measurable results.

• Deep understanding of fundraising principles, moves management, and campaign strategy.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish credibility, and engage stakeholders at all levels—including senior leadership and executive-level alumni.

• Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies, including alumni, students, parents, and institutional partners.

• Demonstrated success in independently developing and executing creative strategies and moving management plans to advance major gift prospects.

• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.

• Collaborative, adaptable, and proactive—capable of thriving in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.

• Technologically proficient, with strong skills in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).

• Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as needed.

• Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license with an insurable driving record, maintained throughout employment.

• Prior experience in higher education fundraising strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of the higher education landscape and enthusiasm for Merrimack’s mission and values.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume

• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including exper