Senior Director of Principal Gifts

Established in 2003 as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to supporting the University, UMass Amherst Foundation serves as the bridge between donors and the transformative work happening across one of the nation’s leading public research universities. Through alumni engagement, donor stewardship, campaign strategy, and advancement operations, the Foundation helps connect meaningful philanthropic investment with the people, programs, and discoveries shaping the future of UMass Amherst.

This is a moment of opportunity for UMAF as Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst approaches its final phase after exceeding its goal of $600 million. The Foundation is seeking an experienced advancement leader who can help sustain momentum, strengthen collaboration across a decentralized development enterprise, and position the organization for long-term success into the next campaign. Guided by shared values of connection, courage, and curiosity, UMAF is building a culture rooted in trust, accountability, inclusion, and shared purpose.

The Opportunity

The newly created Senior Director, Principal Gifts role represents an exceptional opportunity for a sophisticated frontline fundraiser to help shape the future of UMass Amherst through transformational philanthropy.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts, the Senior Director will focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of gifts at the $2.5 million-plus level, while aligning donor interests with some of the University’s most ambitious priorities. This includes a particular focus supporting major capital projects, in addition to interdisciplinary initiatives, research investment, endowed faculty positions, student support, and named facilities opportunities.

This is an ideal opportunity for a strategic, intellectually curious fundraising leader who thrives in collaborative environments, excels at navigating complexity, and is energized by the opportunity to secure transformational investments that will shape the University for generations to come.

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $160,000 annually.