Job No. 157569
- Job Title:
- Sr Assc Director, Development
- Employer:
-
Columbia University
- Location:
-
New York , NY
- Posting Date:
- 21-Jan-2026
- Description:
-
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations, the Senior Associate Director of Development will be responsible for the School of Nursing’s individual giving efforts. The Senior Associate Director will supervise the Associate Director of Annual Fund
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities will include:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to increase individual philanthropic support for the School of Nursing (major and leadership annual fund gifts) leveraging reunions, key initiatives, and milestone class celebrations
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospects, including alumni, friends, and community leaders
- Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects including developing moves management strategies that lead to the successful solicitation and stewardship of major gifts and leadership annual fund gifts;
- Strategically partnering with the Dean of the School of Nursing in strategic partnership with the Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations in cultivating relationships with prospective donors;
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with donors, ensuring engagement and recognition aligned with donor interests and the philanthropic priorities for the School of Nursing
- Partner with the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations in the engagement, cultivation, stewardship, and recruitment of the Board of Advisors and campaign volunteers to keep them engaged and informed about fundraising priorities;
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and leadership to understand funding needs and translate them into compelling cases for support
Create and manage donor events, giving campaigns, recognition programs and special projects to enhance engagement and retention
- Manage the Annual Fund in partnership with the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, including oversight of the Associate Director of Annual Giving, to ensure that the Dean’s Leadership Society is leveraged to maximize increased giving from alumni and friends, the overall donor participation rate continues to grow, and fundraising goals are met;
- Partner in the development of planned and matching gift efforts for the School including coordinating with colleagues at CUIMC Development and the University on marketing strategies;
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the School’s top priorities, signature programs, key faculty, and notable alumni;
- Help to guide team efforts for key stewardship events, such as the Annual Dean’s Reception, dedications, etc;
- Performing other responsibilities and projects as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus four (4) years of professional experience in individual giving as a frontline fundraiser, preferably in higher education or healthcare.
The Senior Associate Director of Development will have a track record of securing significant gifts from individuals and corporations.
The successful incumbent must be a team player, demonstrate professionalism and outstanding verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong leadership, organizational and analytical skills. The selected individual will have experience in managing staff including the ability to motivate and evaluate direct reports appropriately.
This role requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment while handling multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing skillfully and diplomatically. The individual in this position must be adept at problem-solving and using sound judgment in situations requiring initiative and tact. S/He must be able to work proactively, both independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated passion for nursing education, healthcare and higher education advancement. Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, and prospect research tools preferred.
Hybrid office environment with travel required for donor visits, events, and conferences.
Preferred Qualifications
A Master’s degree is preferred, along with capital campaign and volunteer management experience