Executive Director Family Philanthropy and Engagement

About the Position: This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Executive Director, Family Philanthropy and Engagement serves as a vital strategic link between high-net-worth families of current SMU students and SMU's institutional priorities. This role provides senior-level leadership in cultivating, stewarding, and soliciting philanthropic support, requiring deep expertise in major and principal gift development, trusted relationship management, and sensitivity to complex family dynamics. Working in close partnership with university leadership and advancement colleagues, the Executive Director aligns family philanthropy with SMU's long-term goals. The position also sets the strategic vision for all SMU Family engagement and manages a team that helps execute a comprehensive parent engagement and solicitation strategy. The position reports directly to the Vice President for Principal and Major Gifts. Essential Functions: Leadership and Strategy: Collaborate with DEA and senior leadership to establish development priorities for Family Philanthropy. Set objectives for principal and major gift fundraising. Integrate stewardship and external activities with DEA, including volunteer engagement, alumni programming/events, stewardship programs/events, marketing, public relations and other external functions. Cultivation and Solicitation: Manage the principal gift portfolio for Parent Philanthropy, working with DEA leadership and staff to develop cultivation and proposal strategies and next steps. Oversee all fundraising-related activities including interactions, proposals and stewardship. Generate activity reports and regularly communicate with the VP for Principal and Major Gifts and University leadership. Management of an individual portfolio in the 130 - 150 prospect range. Management: Provide strong leadership for fundraising professionals, staff and volunteers working on behalf of Family Philanthropy and Engagement. In close collaboration with the Vice President for Principal and Major Gifts, the Executive Director has a proven ability to lead, manage teams and build consensus. Other duties as assigned. Position requires regular evening or weekend work Position requires requires regular travel Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s preferred. A minimum of seven years of direct fundraising experience is required. A minimum of three years of work experience managing staff is also required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Candidate must have knowledge of sophisticated philanthropy, be a gifted conversationalist, and a strategic thinker, with the ability to represent the university in the best light through tough conversations. The ability to hold confidential information is essential. Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Donor CRM (BBEC or Salesforce). Physical and Environmental Demands: Sit for long periods of time Bend, squat, stand, crawl, climb, kneel Walk for long distances Reach above shoulders Handle objects (dexterity) Carry/lift 25 lbs #J-18808-Ljbffr SMU