Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The Chief Development Officer will serve as a major and principal gifts officer and unit manager on behalf of the University of Maryland for the Robert H. Smith School of Business and for University Relations/Development. This individual will be responsible for the cultivation, and solicitation of potential major-gift and principal level donors. They will identify and engage regional development markets in collaboration with development colleagues and maintain development travel schedules. This individual will lead a comprehensive outreach and fundraising program to support the school's strategic initiatives in consultation with the dean. They will initiate first alumni contact with prospective donors, engage the dean, faculty, and other administrators as needed, and manage the activities of the Smith advancement team, and coordinate gift stewardship activities with donor relations.
The Chief Development Officer will serve as a member of the Dean's senior staff for the college and partner with the Dean and key faculty in the development and successful implementation of strategies to advance the fundraising and engagement goals of the Smith School; these will include but are not limited to program and center directors, marketing and communications staff, and offices of career services and experiential learning. The Chief Development Officer will also collaborate with the central University Relations teams, including Gift Planning, Corporate and Foundation Relations office, Annual Giving, Leadership Annual Giving, Regional Giving team, Principal Gifts, Prospect Research, and the Alumni Association as well as teams internal to the Smith School to advance the school's philanthropic objectives. The Chief Development Officer also will collaborate with Career Services, Executive Education, Experiential Learning, and other internal Smith School units for alumni engagement and to cultivate powerful lifelong relationships. Further, they will coordinate strategic development events, and collaborate with Prospect Research and management to develop a major gifts pipeline to build a qualified prospect base for the school.
This person will serve as a key liaison between the faculty, staff, students, and potential supporters (individuals, corporations, and foundations). Similarly, they will also serve as a liaison to the faculty and staff of the Smith School, and for University Development. This individual will partner with the dean in the design, recruitment, and support of the School's Board of Advisors. They will also oversee a talented team that focuses on major and principal gifts from individuals, corporate and foundation philanthropic support, alumni engagement and donor relations and stewardship. The Robert H. Smith School of Business is one of the 12 degree-granting colleges or schools at the University of Maryland.
With deep connections to the business, government, nonprofit and professional networks of the Washington, D.C., metroplex, the school is uniquely positioned to influence current and future business leaders, policymakers, and change agents. The Smith School is committed to the generation and dissemination of new and impactful knowledge, and to providing a transformational, integrated, interdisciplinary experience that unleashes student creativity, builds students' ability to think critically and independently and challenge the status quo, and empowers them to drive a prosperous future for the benefit of all. With more than 3,100 undergraduates, nearly 1,900 graduate students and more than 68,000 alumni around the globe, the Smith School's national and international networks offer exceptional opportunities for engagement and transformative philanthropy.
Physical Demands:
Work is performed in a traditional office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Some occasional evening and weekend work as necessary. Travel is required up to 30% of the time.
Driver’s license and access to a vehicle required.
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
*All applications should include a resume and cover letter.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Ten (10) years of fundraising, including experience in major and principal gifts fundraising. Three (3) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff, including experience managing major gifts officers.
Knowledge of the principles of management and leadership.
Knowledge of financial policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable human resources related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to work on multiple projects and programs simultaneously.
Ability to conduct research and analysis for aid program development.
Ability to analyze data and provide insight and recommendations to stakeholders.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to resolve complex financial related problems by applying various methodologies and deciding between several alternative solutions.
Additional Job Details
Preferences: Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date: 10/17/2025
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
VPUR-SCU Development
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$205,062-$245,000
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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