Executive Director, Prospect Development

Executive Director, Prospect Development About the Company Pioneering private research university Industry Higher Education Type Educational Institution Founded 1850 Employees 10,001+ Categories Career Planning Education Colleges & Universities University of Rochester Specialties education arts and sciences engineering music medicine nursing and business About the Role The Company is in search of an Executive Director of Prospect Development to play a pivotal role in the strategic and innovative advancement of its prospect research and management functions. This leadership position is essential for shaping and elevating the company's fundraising efforts, particularly in the context of a comprehensive campaign. The successful candidate will provide enterprise-wide leadership, overseeing a team dedicated to identifying, qualifying, and positioning major and principal gift prospects. With a focus on proactive, insight-driven partnership in fundraising strategy, the Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that data, analyses, and research are effectively translated into actions that support leadership-level giving and strengthen donor pipelines. Candidates for the Executive Director role should have a deep background in prospect research and management within a complex advancement organization. The position requires a leader with the vision to modernize systems, integrate analytics and emerging technologies, and develop high-performing teams. The ideal candidate will be tech-savvy, forward-thinking, and capable of leveraging data and digital tools to drive strategy. This is a full-time, leadership role that demands a highly visible, politically astute individual, capable of building productive, trust-based relationships across a complex organization. The role offers a unique opportunity to be at the center of philanthropic strategy and execution, with a focus on aligning prospect strategy with institutional goals and providing meaningful support to executive-level planning and campaign leadership. Hiring Manager Title Associate Vice President of Administrative Services Travel Percent Less than 10% Functions Education/Academic Administration Non-Profit Management