Job Summary:

• Solicitation of principal gifts for The University of Akron from its natural constituency and beyond in the range of.
• Identify cultivate solicit and steward up to 125 prospects for The University of Akron requiring approximately 80% of their time be spent on direct face-to-face cultivation solicitation and stewardship. Responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to drive the principal giving fundraising efforts of strategic initiatives and global principal giving department.
• Functioning as part of a university development team working collegially and in partnership with central and college/school based colleagues.

Essential Functions:

Principal Gift Management ($5M): Manage strategies for principal gift fundraising by providing planning and oversight to identification cultivation stewardship solicitation and performance-measurement activities. Ensure a high-level cohesive approach to the universitys most significant philanthropic opportunities.

Portfolio Management: Plan and execute strategies for a portfolio of up to 125 principal gift prospects and donors. Maintain personal responsibility for achieving individual fundraising goals and securing transformative private support for the university. Collaborative Strategy & Execution: Facilitate fundraising visits and collaborate with central development staff prospect research and college-based colleagues. Lead cross-functional teams to streamline fundraising activities and perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership and Supervision: Provide strategic direction and supervision to the Director of Development ensuring the successful management of all college area advancement committees and corporate advisory councils. Oversee the Directors performance in aligning committee activities with broader university fundraising goals and providing mentorship on donor engagement.

Strategic Goal Setting: Set short and long-term goals and engagement objectives for strategic initiatives and global principal gifts. Evaluate progress against these benchmarks to ensure the sustained growth of the universitys endowment and capital projects.

Prospect Development & Volunteer Engagement: Identify new prospects and develop innovative opportunities for achieving university objectives. Recruit coordinate and motivate alumni and campus volunteers including trustees and senior administrators to effectively engage global principal gift donors.

Education:

Requires a relevant Bachelors Degree.

Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:

Valid Ohio Drivers License.

Experience:

Requires a minimum of 4 years of increasing responsibility in the area of development alumni relations public relations or marketing. Proven track record of successful fund raising relationship building or preferred sales. Prior supervisors experience and development of staff preferred. Demonstrated ability to secure principal gifts of $1M - 5 M preferred. Demonstrated credibility is necessary to influence and tactfully manage relationships with internal and external constituencies. Experience in gaining access to and establishing connections with national business foundation and industry leaders; philanthropists and other high-level individuals. Ability to interact with colleagues supervisors and customers face to face. Proven ability to plan initiate manage and evaluate challenging logistical situations. Must demonstrate proven ability to troubleshoot and to identify problems and appropriate response to complex issues. Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Capacity to develop and execute complex strategies impacting philanthropic effectiveness. Must possess superior managerial and organizational skills. Strong writing skills required. Must be able to travel and work outside of regular office hours. Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office and donor or other database systems) and the ability to learn new programs. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

Leadership:

Direct supervision as a first-line supervisor over exempt staff (and non-exempt staff if applicable).

Physical Requirements:

Job is physically comfortable;individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking standing etc. May occasionally lift very lightweight objects.

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position please complete the online application and attach your resume and a list of 3 professional references.

Application Deadline: Review of applicants will begin on February 7 2026.

Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health welfare and safety of all students employees and visitors on our campus. As such all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that allwork performed as an employee ofthe University will be performed in Ohio.