Executive Director of Development

The Executive Director of Development is responsible for raising endowment, capital, and current use support for the Columbia University Climate School and providing management oversight of development staff.

Position Summary:
This position will identify, develop, and solicit prospects at the major and principal gifts levels, building a robust prospect pool for the Climate School consisting of individuals, foundations, and corporations interested in climate issues. The Executive Director will cultivate and close major individual, foundation, and corporate gifts from new and existing prospects to support strategic initiatives and other identified priorities. Incumbent will also provide day-to-day oversight of the annual fund, major gifts, development events, and donor communications and stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:
- Direct a major gifts pipeline building program by identifying individual, corporate, and foundation prospects
- Oversee the annual, special gift, and foundation and corporate relations efforts
- Personally cultivate and solicit prospects, and steward new and existing donors
- Use data-driven insights to develop fundraising strategies and measure success
- Stay current with research at the Climate School by liaising with the scientific staff
- Assist in the management of Development Office functions including annual fund, special gifts, events, grants management, and publications
- Represent the Associate Dean in their absence, including management of staff

Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of eight years of related work experience
- Knowledge of professional data-driven fund-raising principles and practices
- Management, strategic planning, and budgetary experience
- Track record of closing significant major gifts (emphasis on 7-figure gifts and above)
- Ability and willingness to travel

Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree desirable
- Experience and interest in issues embodied by the Climate School's mission
- Demonstrated success in annual or capital giving
- Prior experience/involvement with national or international NGOs

Job Details:
- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Grade 15