University Advancement Senior Director
rit · Rochester, NY · United States · On-site
Pay: USD 95,000 – 135,000 a year
Posted Sep 21, 2026
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Position Highlights
The Advancement Senior Director leads major gift fundraising efforts that advance Rochester Institute of Technology's strategic priorities, with a dedicated focus on the College of Science and College of Health Sciences and Technology. Working closely with academic leadership, faculty, and advancement colleagues, this role develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies that strengthen philanthropic support and drive institutional impact.
As the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, the Senior Director cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more. This position is responsible for building meaningful relationships, identifying new philanthropic opportunities, and expanding the prospect pipeline through strategic engagement and outreach.
The Senior Director collaborates across University Advancement and partners with volunteer leaders, donors, and campus stakeholders to coordinate stewardship activities, donor engagement opportunities, and special events. Through these efforts, the role helps deepen donor relationships, inspire philanthropic investment, and advance RIT's mission and priorities.
University Advancemen t
RIT's Division of University Advancement builds meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and other partners whose engagement and philanthropy advance the university's mission. The division is a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that values trust, accountability, innovation, and shared expertise. Advancement professionals have the opportunity to connect supporters with transformative initiatives that fuel student success, groundbreaking research, experiential learning, and programs that shape the future of technology, health sciences, and creative problem-solving.
Closely aligned with their dedicated college(s), the Senior Advancement Director serves as a trusted strategic partner to college leadership and faculty. This role connects donor passions with opportunities that advance education, student achievement, faculty excellence, innovative research, and emerging university priorities. Working within a university recognized for its hands-on approach, industry partnerships, and commitment to innovation, the Senior Advancement Director plays a key role in securing philanthropic investments that create lasting impact for students, faculty, and the broader community.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards leadership annual gift and major gift donors and prospects in coordination with faculty, staff, and volunteers
Manages a robust portfolio of prospects, creates fundraising strategies, develops relationships with donors, solicits gifts, and coordinates effective donor stewardship
Develops an understanding of the educational, research, operational, and financial needs and goals of assigned college
Cultivates…