Tuskegee University

Compensation

Full Description

The Executive Director of Principal and Capital Giving/Deputy Campaign Manager is a senior fundraising leader responsible for securing transformational gifts of $1 million and above in support of Tuskegee University’s capital projects, facilities, and strategic initiatives. This position plays a pivotal role in The Campaign for Tuskegee University: Solving the World’s Most Complex Problems, ensuring that the University’s most ambitious priorities are fully supported through philanthropy. The Executive Director will not only manage a portfolio of principal-level prospects but will also be expected to create new transformational donor relationships and bring high-quality prospects into Tuskegee’s pipeline. This includes identifying, qualifying, and cultivating individuals, families, corporations, and foundations that may not yet be engaged at the principal gift level. By expanding the base of transformational supporters, the Executive Director ensures both immediate impact and long-term growth of Tuskegee’s fundraising capacity. The Executive Director also serves as Deputy Campaign Manager, working in partnership and reporting directly to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement to coordinate campaign execution, engage trustees and volunteer leadership, and help drive overall success for the campaign. REMOTE POSITION with periodic visits to include once a month required in Tuskegee. Essential Job Duties Transformational Fundraising Secure principal-level commitments of $1 million and higher, focused on capital projects, facilities, and strategic initiatives. Manage a focused portfolio of high-capacity prospects, guiding them through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Develop personalized strategies to engage donors and inspire multi-year transformational commitments. Donor Creation & Pipeline Development Create new transformational donor relationships by identifying, qualifying, and cultivating individuals and organizations not yet giving at the principal level. Proactively expand Tuskegee’s prospect pipeline through research, referrals, networking, and strategic outreach. Collaborate with Advancement Services and prospect research staff to ensure a strong and sustainable pool of $1M+ prospects. Campaign Leadership Serve as Deputy Campaign Manager, supporting campaign planning and execution under the Vice President’s leadership. Partner with trustees, campaign committees, and volunteers to advance capital and facility priorities. Ensure donor creation and principal gift strategies are fully aligned with campaign goals and timelines. Collaboration & Engagement Partner with the President, Provost, deans, and faculty to create compelling cases for support tied to facilities and academic initiatives. Work closely with colleagues across Development and Alumni Engagement to deliver integrated donor engagement and stewardship strategies. Represent Tuskegee at high-level donor meetings, campaign events, and University functions. Qualifications (Education, Experience and Specialized Training) Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. 7—10 years of progressive fundraising experience with a strong record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts; capital/facilities fundraising strongly preferred. Proven ability to create new donor relationships and expand institutional pipelines, not only manage existing ones. Experience in transformational gift strategy and campaign fundraising. Familiarity with fundraising CRMs such as Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred. Willingness to travel extensively and work evenings/weekends as needed. Physical Demands Ability to operate standard office equipment Ability to walk short distances Ability to lift and carry parcels, packages and other items Ability to view a computer terminal Skills and Attributes Knowledge: Knowledge of: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Willingness to learn advancement systems such as Raiser’s Edge NXT and Almabase Skills: Ability to engage high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and senior University leaders effectively Exceptional communication, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills Ability: Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment in handling donor related information