Director of Development

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Development and Alumni Relations Locations:

Framingham, MA Posted:

May 7, 2026

Closes:

Open Until Filled Type:

Full-time Salary Type:

Annually Salary Range:

$100,000.00 - $110,000.00

Position ID:

200296

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Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community. FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities. Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement."

LIVE TO THE TRUTH

aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Responsible for providing strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the development officer team within the Division of University Advancement at Framingham State University. The Director will play a key role in the success of the University's $55 million comprehensive fundraising campaign that is currently underway. The Director of Development oversees frontline fundraising activity, portfolio management, and moves management processes to ensure effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors. Working in close partnership with the Assistant Vice President of University Advancement and the Vice President for University Advancement, the Director of Development helps develop and implement strategies to strengthen the University's major and leadership gift pipeline and expand philanthropic support for institutional priorities. The Director maintains a limited portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors and plays a key role in advancing major gift opportunities. The position collaborates closely with the Director of Alumni Relations and the Associate Director for Stewardship and Annual Fund to align engagement, solicitation, and stewardship strategies across the Office of Development & Alumni Relations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Assistant Vice President of University Advancement

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Development Officers

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day supervision for a team of development officers (currently four), supporting their work in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. In collaboration with the Vice President for University Advancement and the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement, establish and monitor fundraising goals and performance expectations for development officers, ensuring accountability for activity, pipeline development, and revenue outcomes. Lead regular performance review and planning discussions with development officers to ensure progress toward individual and team fundraising goals. Oversee development officer portfolios, including prospect assignment, portfolio composition, and strategy to ensure effective donor engagement and balanced prospect pipelines. Conduct regular portfolio reviews and moves management strategy sessions to ensure donor prospects are progressing effectively through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Mentor and coach development officers to strengthen fundraising strategy, relationship management, and solicitation effectiveness. Maintain a limited portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors and participate in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities as appropriate. Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President and Vice President for University Advancement to develop and implement fundraising strategies that support institutional priorities and long-term philanthropic growth. Support the development and management of a strong pipeline of prospective donors capable of making leadership annual gifts, major gifts, and planned gifts. Work collaboratively with the Director of Alumni Relations to align alumni engagement efforts with donor cultivation strategies. Partner with the Associate Director for Stewardship and Annual Fund to ensure coordinated donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement. Monitor and report on fundraising activity and performance metrics, including donor visits, solicitations, dollars raised, pipeline development, and portfolio engagement. Utilize the University's Customer Relationship Management system to track fundraising activity and ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions. Prepare and share fundraising reports and analysis to inform advancement leadership and support strategic decision-making. Support University Advancement initiatives and events that strengthen donor engagement and philanthropic support for the University. Responsible for reporting to the Equal Opportunity Officer or Title IX Coordinator knowledge or receipt of reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation from students or other members of the university community. Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, inclusion, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Office setting and travel to meeting sites outside of Framingham State University to meet with prospects and donors. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree. 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising. Demonstrated success securing major gifts. Demonstrated experience cultivating and soliciting philanthropic gifts. Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading fundraising staff. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills. Ability to work effectively with university leadership, donors, alumni, and colleagues across departments. Travel and some night/weekend work are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in higher education fundraising or nonprofit advancement. Experience managing fundraising portfolios and moves management strategies. Familiarity with a Customer Relationship Management system or "CRM."

Additional Information:

This is a full-time exempt benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Director. The starting salary range is $100,000 - $110,000. Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions. Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law. Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Equity and Inclusion Statement•, Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application). •Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials. For best consideration, please submit application materials by May 29, 2026 . The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee. Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket. Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu . Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by