Executive Director, Development

Executive Director, Development & Alumni Engagement, WestCoast The Executive Director (ED) is the senior regional leader for Institutional Advancement (IA) on the West Coast. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, the ED provides executive presence and operational authority necessary to lead a high-functioning regional team while serving as the primary strategic advancement bridge between the Los Angeles office and the Boston campus. The ED is a frontline fundraiser responsible for executing IA strategy for the West Coast and collaborating closely with Boston-based leadership and the Dean of Emerson's Los Angeles Campus to align regional activities in Major Gifts, Annual Giving, and Alumni Relations with institutional standards and global campaign goals. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Work closely with Institutional Advancement leadership and college leadership to grow a major giving program and build a portfolio of international donors in the West Coast market and assigned territories. Manage a personal portfolio of high-capacity West Coast prospects, moving them through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Work closely with the Boston-based AVP for Alumni Relations to execute strategic alumni engagement events in Los Angeles. Design and execute a comprehensive West Coast advancement plan that implements and leverages regional events and alumni networks to feed the Major and Principal Gift pipelines. Ensure donors are well-informed, acknowledged in meaningful ways, and appreciated appropriately throughout the year. Maintain direct supervisory authority over Los Angeles-based IA staff. Manage the Los Angeles IA budget and oversee daily office operations to ensure a consistent and professional Emerson presence on the West Coast. Partner closely with Emerson's Boston-based leadership to ensure regional programs adhere to global branding, data standards, and strategic objectives. Serve as the chief IA representative to the Emerson LA Dean and local campus leadership, ensuring advancement activity supports the specific needs of the LA program. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) required; Master’s degree preferred. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in development, alumni relations, or nonprofit management with a proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams. Confidence, authority, and industry knowledge necessary to engage high-net-worth individuals and top-tier executives. Demonstrated success in closing major gifts and navigating complex donor landscapes. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to represent the VP and the College to high-level donors, industry leaders, and ELA leadership with confidence and authority. Masterful written and oral communication skills, with a commitment to proactive transparency and timely information flow to leadership. Exceptional ability to work within a matrixed organization, balancing reporting to the VP with collaboration across Boston-based departments. Strong skills in budget management, staff coaching, and project management. Professional experience in fundraising for communication, arts, media, or equivalent fields preferred. Strong understanding and experience applying AI tools for fundraising and relationship management preferred. PHYSICAL ABILITIES Ability to attend and lead regional events, which may include evening and weekend commitments. Based in Los Angeles; requires significant local travel for donor visits and periodic travel to the Boston campus for leadership meetings and campaign planning. WORK ENVIRONMENT Usual office conditions. IN-OFFICE EXPECTATIONS This position is primarily a hybrid role with expected days in the office each week. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Boston campus to ensure operational effectiveness, in accordance with the Remote Work Policy. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Compensation: $131,900.00 – $168,200.00 annually, commensurate with experience. Grade of Position: 23-14E Employment Category: Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25 In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College offers a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week, including health, dental, time‑off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits include life and disability coverage and commuter offerings. #J-18808-Ljbffr