Executive Director of Development & Chief Development Officer, College of Information & Computer Sciences

Feb 28

UMass Amherst Foundation
Amherst, MA

Anticipated Start Date: 06/02/2025

Description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF) seeks an entrepreneurial, high energy, and results-oriented Executive Director of Development and Chief Development Officer (CDO) to work closely with the Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences (Manning College) to create, plan, advance and implement a wide range of fundraising activities, strategies, programs and priorities, as part of the University's next comprehensive campaign and in support of the College’s strategic plan. The Manning College is internationally recognized for its research activities with one of the highest ranked and most competitive computer science programs in the nation, and educates the largest number of computer science undergraduates in New England.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, Matt Carlyon, the CDO will assume and build out a national portfolio of individuals, corporations, and foundations rated at the major and principal gift levels ($50K-$1M+) with likely geographic emphasis on prospects and donors in the Northeast, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest. In addition to fundraising responsibilities, the CDO will partner closely with the Dean, manage an Associate Director of Donor Relations, create and lead an active and engaged volunteer group to support fundraising initiatives, and actively pursue collaborations with colleagues across UMAF that benefit interdisciplinary programs. A major funding priority for the College is the capital project underway to build a signature facility slated to open in September 2025.

Serving as a collaborative hub for the future of computing and the Commonwealth, the 90,000-square-foot sustainable facility will connect to the existing Computer Science Building and bring together computer science students and faculty in classrooms, research labs, and community spaces designed to inspire creativity and collaboration in service of the common good. In addition to supporting enriched facilities, the Manning College will continue to prioritize philanthropic opportunities for its academic and student support programs, including financial aid, experiential learning, and undergraduate research.

Responsibilities

Actively maintain a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and cultivate, solicit, and steward them on behalf of the Manning College of Information & Computer Science.
Craft and present proposals for major/principal gift solicitations and prepare other fundraising materials to be used to maximize philanthropy for the College's key strategic priorities.
Ensure continuous progress in moving assigned donors through donor cycle (e.g., qualify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward). Document all quality contacts and moves management strategies through the use of the prospect tracking system (Advance).
In partnership with the Vice President of Development, the Dean, and the college’s senior leadership, plan, implement, and execute the College's campaign goals that complement the University's comprehensive campaign objectives.
In partnership with the Dean, explore the composition of the CICS Advisory Board, and continue working with volunteers to maximize philanthropy; continue engagement efforts working with the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations for the college.
Play primary role in managing and tracking specific fundraising initiatives as agreed by the Dean and Vice President of Development in accordance with the University's and the College's strategic plan.

Requirements

Minimum six (6) years of prior experience with face-to-face fundraising, ideally in higher education or within a similarly complex nonprofit organization with proven success closing 6- and ideally 7-figure gifts independently and in coordination with others.
Ability to quickly gain substantive knowledge and comprehension of the College’s programs and initiatives, projects, and activities to effectively present potential giving opportunities to prospective donors and make a compelling case for support.
Affinity for and/or interest in key issues in computer science curricula and programs, including access, research, evolving technologies, co-curricular and experiential learning.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$136,000 to $150,000

How to Apply for this Job

Pearl Street Collective, the search firm with purpose, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. To express interest in the position, please submit your confidential resume and cover letter to cics-cdo@pearlstreetcollective.com or

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