Senior Director of Development, University Libraries

The client seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Senior Director of Development for a university library system. This role will lead a fundraising team in support of the library’s mission of research, teaching, and public service, advancing scholarship and creativity through private and public support in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The Senior Director of Development provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive fundraising program supporting the library. Reporting to the University Librarian/Vice Provost for Library Affairs, the role is responsible for designing, managing, and executing development initiatives that align with the library’s mission, strategic plan, and broader interdisciplinary priorities, including planning and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies across the full major gifts lifecycle. The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree and bring progressively responsible development experience in higher education, research, cultural, or other nonprofit organizations. They will have demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift prospects, including closing major gifts and contributing to large-scale, multi-year capital campaigns, along with experience managing, mentoring, and evaluating professional staff. Exceptional communication and consensus-building skills are essential, with experience working effectively with volunteers and fundraising governance groups; the role also requires inclusive leadership and the willingness to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally, with occasional evenings and weekends. Confidential