External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) and the UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Director of 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

The Director of Development will play a leadership role on a lean and growing, highly integrated, and collaborative advancement team pursuing ambitious fundraising and donor engagement goals after the conclusion of the University’s successful multi-billion-dollar Honor the Future campaign.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to make a valuable contribution in support of the academic and research missions of UVA Engineering at a time of great growth and momentum for the School. In addition to working on behalf of the School of Engineering, the Director of Development will be an integral part of External Relations and will benefit from working with a diverse and broad range of Advancement colleagues and services.

Success in this role requires the Director of Development to work collaboratively with alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and other key constituents and prospects to solicit, secure, and steward six-figure and above major and principal gifts for UVA Engineering. One of the Director’s primary objectives will be to advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of UVA and the School of Engineering, using agreed-upon metrics and accountability. The Director will also serve as a member of the External Relations team and collaborate with peers in prospect strategy development and prospect management, planned giving, reunion giving, University priorities, and other relevant partners.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in the fields of engineering and applied science and a willingness to grasp details about the work at the School. The successful candidate will have the ability to travel frequently domestically and participate in occasional evening and weekend work. A valid driver’s license is also required.

About UVA Engineering:

UVA Engineering is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected engineering schools, with a mission to make the world a better place by creating and disseminating knowledge and preparing future engineering leaders. Outstanding students and faculty from around the world choose UVA Engineering because of its growing and internationally recognized education and research programs. UVA is among the top engineering schools in the United States for the four-year graduation rate of undergraduate students and is among the top public engineering schools in the country for the rate of Ph.D. enrollment growth. Learn more at engineering.virginia.edu.

Responsibilities

• Creating and executing fundraising plans that achieve or exceed set metrics and goals and that utilize best practices in major giving including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift donors.

• Assisting UVA Engineering leadership and the Executive Director of Development in developing and executing program funding priorities, plans and cases for support.

• Staffing and supporting School leadership through regular communication, collaboration, and strategy development.

• Collaborating with academic departments in the School of Engineering, with a focus on working with department chairs on major giving, stewardship and strategic development planning.

• Traveling regionally, ideally within the preferred region of the West Coast, to establish long-term partnerships, create outstanding constituent experiences, create volunteer leadership opportunities, and strengthen existing relationships to fund immediate and long-term goals of the School and University.

• Manage special projects in collaboration with the Executive Director to further development priorities and new initiatives.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree

• Experience: At least eight years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree

• Prior experience in non-profit or higher education fundraising

• Experience staffing senior leaders and volunteers

• Experience working with academic leaders, serving as program fundraising lead

• A track record demonstrating a high degree of initiative and flexibility, with the skills to shape and be shaped by an evolving fundraising initiative

• A high degree of personal integrity and the ability to keep the big picture in focus while attending to the details

• Experience using data to evaluate and plan

• Superb communication skills

• Experience mentoring junior professionals to be successful in a matrixed organization

• Preference will be given for prior experience in the West Coast

Physical Demands

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

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $110K - $130K, 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 supports a flexible workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. This position requires frequent travel, and regular work in the University Advancement office spaces and at the School of Engineering located in 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 November 25, 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 R0078312. 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, Director of Staff Success for External Relations, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, 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.