External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Director of Major Gifts, School of Education and Human Development. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Major Gifts, the Director of Major Gifts will play a key role building and cultivating a robust portfolio as part of a collaborative advancement team within the School of Education and Human Development (the EHD School) team, pursuing ambitious fundraising goals. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to make a valuable contribution in support of the missions of the University and the EHD School.

The successful candidate will be an energetic and charismatic professional with an affinity for the mission and values of the EHD School. They will bring a proven track record as a major gift fundraiser, creative and entrepreneurial approaches to fundraising, and a strong work ethic dedicated to achieving ambitious team goals.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of current and prospective major-gift level donors and prospects ($100K+) and move them towards giving levels that achieve annual and long-range fundraising goals of the EHD School.

• Create and implement a transparent and intentional donor strategy to move prospective donors along the development continuum.

• Travel regionally and nationally to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects for EHD School initiatives.

• Build working relationships with the Dean’s Office, faculty, and staff, as necessary.

• Collaborate with other representatives in the Foundation and across the University to ensure alignment and synergy in fundraising efforts.

• Build relationships with alumni, parents, and community members to ensure an organized approach for prospects and donors, while developing and implementing cultivation and solicitation plans.

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven track record of managing portfolios containing donors of $100,000+.

• Success taking a creative and entrepreneurial approach to identifying and cultivating prospects.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop fundraising strategies in collaboration with University Leadership.

• Ability to meet and exceed achievable and challenging fundraising goals.

• Ability to effectively articulate the EHD School’s and University's educational mission, strategic aims, and programs.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop fundraising strategies in collaboration with the Senior Director and University Leadership.

• Ability to engage donors in the Dean’s vision for the EHD School.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.

• Experience: Five years of fundraising experience.

• Demonstrated success in higher education fundraising and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals.

• Superb oral and written communications skills.

• Must have a command of cultural and political sensitivity and value and embrace cultural and social differences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree.

• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends.

• An appreciation for the importance of education and human services degree programs and the impact of these professional and practical fields in our society.

• Highest level of integrity.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Creative, entrepreneurial, and resourceful.

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities; self-directed and motivated.

• Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of emotional intelligence.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $100,000 - $115,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

• UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. This hybrid position can be worked remotely periodically, although frequent in-person work in our office buildings, on UVA Grounds, or at event venues is required. The successful candidate will live within driving distance of Charlottesville, Virginia.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after September 15, 2025.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0076328. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For additional information about the position, please contact April Sibiski, Senior Associate Director for Staff Success, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, HR Recruiting Specialist, at jf2sw@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.