Job Description

Position Title: Director of Development, Kogod School of Business

Organization: American University

Department: University Advancement

Reports to: Assistant Dean of Advancement, Kogod School of Business

Positio n: Full-Time, Hybrid, 2- 3 days a week on campus. Exempt;

Other: This position requires travel outside the Washington metropolitan area 20-40% of the time, as well as seasonal evening and weekend work for scheduled Kogod and University events and programs.

Location: Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia.

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 annually

About American University

“We are a University of strivers and dreamers, activists and artists, scholars and servant-leaders. We realize that when we all contribute, we all succeed. We are, quite literally, one AU.” – President Sylvia Burwell

American University is a student-centered research institution in Washington, DC, with highly ranked schools and colleges, internationally renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Our students distinguish themselves with their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities.

At AU passion becomes action; students actively engage in the world around them; and the leaders of today train the leaders of tomorrow.

AU is looking for candidates who reflect the diversity of the student body. At AU, they are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. American University was founded to respond to the needs of a changing world, with a set of guiding values—diversity, equity, and inclusion. AU cannot be excellent without being truly inclusive, and without taking the concrete, specific steps to improve our campus climate.

BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, multilingual, mature or differently abled candidates, and people of all faiths or none at all are encouraged to apply.

About Change Can't Wait: The Campaign for American University

With a $500 million goal, Change Can’t Wait will create transformative educational opportunities for students, advance research with impact, and build stronger communities locally, nationally, and globally. Why AU? Changemaking is in their DNA. Why now? Change can’t wait.

The Role

The Director of Development for the Kogod School of Business is a major gifts fundraiser for the Kogod School of Business at American University. The Director of Development is responsible for achieving aggressive fundraising, solicitation, cash, pledge, and visit goals, which are set annually. This position manages a prospect portfolio of at least 100+ active rated prospects for the Kogod School of Business, with giving capacities from $25,000 to $100,000+. The Director of Development is expected to personally manage these relationships to cultivate, solicit, close gifts, and steward alumni donors, as well as identify and qualify new prospects for the Kogod School of Business. Domestic travel is required in this position to personally engage alumni and secure funds for KSB.

The Director of Development serves as a key member of the Dean’s external relations team and as an ambassador of the school; works closely with the KSB Assistant Dean of Advancement, KSB, and the University Advancement Office, on moves management, stewardship and donor issues to raise funds for the Kogod School of Business; and shares in the responsibilities of managing the KSB Dean’s Board of Advisors as well as managing donor-focused events.

Additionally, this position will play a leadership role in launching and overseeing a new Kogod Parent Advisory Group, helping to engage and cultivate families in support of the school’s mission and fundraising priorities.

Impact Areas:

• (70%) Major Gifts Fundraising & Stewardship
  Manage a portfolio of 100+ prospects with a giving capacity of $25,000+. Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts to meet or exceed annual fundraising targets. Collaborate with KSB leadership, faculty, and University Advancement to align donor strategies with school priorities.

• (10%) Prospect Management
  Partner with Prospect Research, Planned Giving, and Advancement colleagues to identify and qualify new prospects through strategic outreach and relationship-building.
  
• (10%) Reporting & Documentation
  Maintain up-to-date records in the CRM system (e.g., strategic moves, proposals, event participation). Ensure accurate reporting and data to support stewardship, performance tracking, and forecasting.
  
• (10%) Strategic Engagement & Special Projects
  Support the Associate Vice President for Development and Vice President for Advancement on strategic initiatives and cross-campus efforts. Assist in managing the Dean’s Board of Advisors and donor-focused events.

Competencies

• Acting Strategically
• Making accurate judgments and decisions
• Evaluating and implementing ideas
• Prioritizing and organizing
• Serving Customers
• Acquiring and analyzing information
• Displaying creativity
• Developing plans

Education, Training, and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 5–8 years of relevant fundraising experience
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $25,000+
  

Preferred

• Experience in higher education advancement
• Familiarity with fundraising CRMs and strong Microsoft Office skills
• Supervisory or mentorship experience
  

Additional Information About the Position

• Writing sample may be required
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Some travel and off-hours work required for donor engagement and university events

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

American University has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Kelly MacKenzie at kelly@charitysearchgroup.com or visit

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively Protected Bases) in its programs and activities.

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