Executive Director of Development

Columbia University – Climate School seeks an experienced, strategic, and mission-driven fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Development at the Climate School (EIS Climate School Admin), based at the Morningside campus in New York, NY.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Development is responsible for raising endowment, capital, and current use support for the Climate School and providing management oversight of the development staff. This position will identify, develop, and solicit prospects at the major and principal gifts levels, building a robust prospect pool consisting of individuals, foundations, and corporations aligned with the Climate School's mission. The Executive Director is a key member of the Climate School development team and will represent the Associate Dean for Advancement in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct a major gifts pipeline building program by identifying individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; oversee annual, special gift, and foundation/corporate relations efforts; personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Conduct face-to-face visits; organize and execute visits for Climate School leadership and key volunteers; plan high-level programming using research and data analytics for pipeline building.
• Use data-driven insights to develop fundraising strategies and measure success.
• Stay current with Climate School research by liaising with scientific staff, assisting with private foundation proposals and corporate pitches, and preparing scientists for prospect meetings.
• Assist in management of the Development Office, including strategy for annual fund, special gifts, events, grants management, and publications.
• Work with the Associate Dean for Advancement and Climate School leadership to set fundraising campaign goals and implement strategies for meeting them.
• Track all activity using Columbia development systems and 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 required.
• Knowledge of professional data-driven fundraising principles and practices; self-motivation, collegiality, and high level of professionalism required.
• Management, strategic planning, and budgetary experience required.
• Track record of closing significant major gifts (emphasis on 7-figure gifts and above) as part of a capital campaign.
• 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 programs.
• Prior experience with national or international NGOs.
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 – $190,000 annually. The salary of the finalist selected will be set based on qualifications, experience, education, and departmental budgets. Columbia University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement, and generous time off.

About Columbia Climate School

The Columbia Climate School is dedicated to addressing the causes and consequences of climate change and to helping societies around the world understand and adapt to a changing planet. It brings together world-class expertise in natural sciences, engineering, policy, and social science to address the most pressing issues of our time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the salary range for this role?

The salary range is $150,000 – $190,000 annually, based on qualifications, experience, and education.

Q: Where is this position located?

This is an on-site position at Columbia University's Morningside campus in New York, NY 10027.

Q: What are the minimum qualifications?

A Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 8 years of related fundraising work experience, including a track record of closing 7-figure major gifts as part of a capital campaign.

Q: What department does this role report to?

The Executive Director of Development reports to the Associate Dean for Advancement within the Columbia Climate School (EIS Climate School Admin).

Q: Is travel required?

Yes. Travel is required for donor visits, cultivation events, and prospect meetings. Some evening availability is also necessary.

Q: Is an advanced degree required?

An advanced degree is preferred but not required. Relevant fundraising experience and a demonstrated record of closing major gifts are the primary qualifications.

Q: How do I apply?

Apply online at: Columbia University Careers Portal

Q: What is the employment type?

This is a full-time, regular (permanent) Officer of Administration role at 35 hours per week.