Executive Director of Development, Strategic Initiatives

The Executive Director of Development, Strategic Initiatives (EDOD) leads a team of development professionals responsible for fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship across a portfolio of interdisciplinary, universitywide priorities. The EDOD serves as a strategic leader and coordinator, guiding Directors of Development (DOD) embedded in the Division of Student Affairs, the University Library System, and the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, while acting as the primary development partner and content lead for the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) and other emerging Strategic Initiatives.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Individual Giving, Schools and Centers, the EDOD oversees annual fundraising planning, prospect pipeline development, and strategy execution for each priority area. Through consistent coaching, strategic direction, and collaboration with unit leadership, the EDOD ensures the team is positioned to expand philanthropic support. As OAFA’s development lead, the EDOD builds a coordinated fundraising partnership with OAFA leadership and serves as the connector between OAFA and schools and units raising funds for financial aid, Access and Affordability, and student success.

The EDOD also manages a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects whose interests span multiple schools, units, and universitywide initiatives. Responsibilities include identifying and qualifying new prospects, cultivating and deepening donor relationships, developing tailored strategies, and securing significant gifts supporting interdisciplinary priorities.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationshipdriven leader capable of aligning teams around complex priorities, translating institutional needs into compelling donor opportunities, and maintaining disciplined portfolio management with proficiency in CRM systems such as Affinaquest/Salesforce.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in supporting the University's mission.

• Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, innovative, and dynamic team.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about PAE and apply today.

Join us in shaping the future of education, research, and healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh!

Oversees development of a program, plans, and activities to create and execute a comprehensive development plan achieving new and recurring contributions to a school, foundation, program, and/or group. Manages a portfolio of major gift donors and strategically builds fundraising prospects. Assists leadership in facilitating a comprehensive communications plan and with development strategies.

• Supervise staff, providing guidance, setting performance goals, and fostering a collaborative, results-oriented team culture.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors to secure gifts of $100,000 and above through substantive in-person and virtual meetings, proposal development, and strategic relationship management.
• Overall leadership of PAE efforts across the units that are part of SI to maximize fundraising performance and strengthen donor and alumni engagement, driving short-term outcomes and long-term, sustainable success.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.