Senior Director of Development, Arts and Science

New York University Tisch School of the Arts

Senior Director securing major philanthropic gifts for NYU Arts & Science. Managing donors, volunteers, fundraisers, and transformational giving strategies.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $155,000 - $195,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in nonprofit philanthropy and development, with a strong track record in soliciting major gifts ranging from 6 to 9 figures. Proven ability to manage donor portfolios, cultivate relationships, and lead fundraising efforts while effectively supervising staff and volunteers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Nonprofit PhilanthropyMajor Gift SolicitationVolunteer ManagementFundraising Strategy DevelopmentDatabase Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Major Gift SolicitationFundraising Strategy DevelopmentPortfolio ManagementStewardship PlanningProject Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsCollaborationRelationship BuildingMulti-tasking

Tools & Technologies

BlackbaudSunguardEvertrueFundraising Databases

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit DevelopmentPhilanthropyDonor EngagementVolunteer LeadershipTransformational Gifts

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, plan, manage, and implement strategies to increase unrestricted, restricted, and planned gifts for Arts & Science
Manage and maintain a strategic donor portfolio
Cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts in the 6-figure to 9-figure range
Engage senior volunteers through the Arts & Science board and Dean’s Advisory Council
Staff meetings and work with volunteer and school leadership to identify new prospects
Coordinate engagement opportunities
Develop major gift and transformational gift opportunities
Oversee successful stewardship planning
Drive cross-function alignment with other UDAR fundraisers to maximize philanthropic activity
Develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies
Develop strong relationships within Arts & Science and lead fundraising efforts
Serve as a primary liaison to Arts & Science academic units
Manage and develop development staff and frontline fundraisers, including hiring, training, assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, and supporting professional growth
Travel both domestically and internationally as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree
7+ years experience in nonprofit philanthropy and development, including a track record of successfully soliciting 6 to 9-figure gifts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience managing volunteer groups and supervising staff who support development goals
Excellent organization and verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively multi-task large scale projects while fostering supportive and collaborative relationships with colleagues
Ability to interact successfully with a diverse group of individuals
Ability to travel both domestically and internationally
Knowledge of Blackbaud/Sunguard and Evertrue database systems or knowledge of fundraising databases (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work arrangement
Work-life integration
Travel opportunities domestically and internationally