Senior Director of Development

About the role

Hofstra University, a nationally ranked private university in Hempstead, New York, is seeking a Senior Director of Development to advance its philanthropic priorities. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the role manages a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends who can make significant gifts, and supervises two junior development officers. It works across academic and administrative units to build donor relationships, develop fundraising strategies and secure transformative gifts.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of about 60-75 constituents, focusing on gifts of $100,000 and above
• Develop individualized strategies for donors and solicit outright gifts, multi-year pledges, planned gifts and blended gifts
• Hold at least 120 substantive prospect visits and donor engagements per year
• Prepare and present gift proposals and white papers, and maintain contact through email, virtual visits, in-person visits, phone and handwritten correspondence
• Supervise two junior development officers, including regular coaching, one-on-one meetings and annual performance reviews
• Build partnerships with academic leaders, faculty, administrators and advancement colleagues, and engage volunteers, advisory board members and alumni leaders
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in the constituent relationship management system and represent the university at events and programs

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of related professional experience
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $100,000 or more from individual donors
• Able to travel 25-40% of the time, with occasional evenings and weekends
• Valid driver's license required

Required skills

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

What we offer

• Salary range of $140,000-$160,000
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents
• Retirement plan with university contributions