Executive Director of Development

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

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

The Executive Director is a key member of the Climate School development team and will represent the Associate Dean for Advancement in their absence.

Responsibilities:

• Directs a major gifts pipeline building program by identifying individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; overseeing the annual, special gift, and foundation and corporate relations efforts; personally cultivating and soliciting prospects, and stewarding new and existing donors.
• Responsibilities include face-to-face visits, organizing and executing visits for Earth Institute leadership and key volunteers, and planning and executing high-level programming, including using research and data analytics for pipeline building.
• Uses data-driven insights to develop fundraising strategies and measure success.
• Stays current with research at the Climate School by liaising with scientific staff, working with scientists on private foundation proposals and corporate pitches.
• Assists in the management of other Development Office functions, including overseeing strategy for annual fund, special gifts, events, grants management, and publications.
• Works with the Associate Dean for Advancement and the Climate School leadership to set fundraising campaign goals, leverage the Advisory Board for major gift contacts, and implement successful strategies for meeting goals.
• Tracks activity using Columbia development systems.
• Represents the Associate Dean in his/her 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 fund-raising principles and practices
• Must have management, strategic planning, and budgetary experience
• Must have a track record of closing significant major gifts (with an 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 are a plus
• Prior experience/involvement with national or international NGOs is a plus
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred

Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000 annually. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the salary range for the Executive Director of Development at Columbia University Climate School?

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $190,000 annually. The final salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and other factors.

Where is this position located?

This position is based at the Morningside campus of Columbia University in New York, NY. It is an on-site position.

What type of gifts experience is required?

Candidates must have a track record of closing significant major gifts, with an emphasis on 7-figure gifts and above, as part of a capital campaign. Experience cultivating and soliciting prospects at the major and principal gifts levels is required.

How many years of experience are required?

A minimum of eight years of related work experience is required, along with demonstrated management, strategic planning, and budgetary experience.

What department does this position belong to?

This position is within the EIS Climate School Admin department at Columbia University. The Executive Director reports to the Associate Dean for Advancement and works closely with Climate School leadership and development staff.

Is knowledge of climate science required?

While not strictly required, experience and interest in issues embodied by the Climate School's mission are a plus. The candidate must be able to clearly comprehend and communicate the Climate School's mission and ongoing initiatives.

How do I apply for this position?

You can apply directly through Columbia University's careers site at: https://opportunities.columbia.edu/jobs/executive-director-of-development-morningside-new-york-united-states-75de64f4-bdc5-48bb-bb5f-8a6f1cc31980