Chief Development Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Eastern Connecticut State University is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the Chief Development Officer position. Eastern is Connecticut’s Public Liberal Arts University and is located in Willimantic, Connecticut which is 1.5 hours from Boston and 2.5 hours from New York City.  Eastern is one of four universities in the Connecticut State College and University System (CSCU). The position also offers substantial health and retirement benefits.

Job Summary :

Manages the operations of the University’s broad-based outreach and fundraising efforts including alumni relations, annual giving, and donor relations, and coordinates the analysis and improvement of constituent data systems. The Chief Development Officer is responsible for the development and oversight of a comprehensive donor relations program, directing the creation and management of systems that foster relationships (both internal and external), encourage engagement, and generate philanthropic support.

Supervision Exercised :

The Chief Development Officer reports to the University President. The Chief Development Officer supervises and directs the activities of Development and Alumni Engagement, professional and support staff.

Essential Duties :

The following examples of duties illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

• Manage the planning, development, and implementation of outreach and program aspects of Development and Alumni Engagement.
• Manage daily operations and strategic programming of Development and Alumni Engagement to include supervising, mentoring, leading and evaluating staff.
• Develop long-term fundraising strategic plans with measurable objectives and implementation timeframes that align with the university’s strategic plan and mission.
• Lead major fundraising initiatives, including capital campaigns, endowment growth, scholarship and program support.
• As authorized by the ECSU Foundation Board, will serve as the Executive Director of the ECSU Foundation, overseeing its operations, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Work with the Foundation Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, transparency, and alignment with university goals. Collaborate with the Board of Directors for investment management, financial reporting, and financial audits. Ensure that all federal, state, and Board reporting requirements are met.
• Maintain existing Foundation funds and develop new funds.
• Provide oversight and direction to the Foundation’s Business Manager.
• Utilizing data analysis, alumni survey data, and other tools, develop and implement new programs and fundraising initiatives.
• Monitor progress and effectiveness of the annual fund and special projects and programs.
• As a member of the President’s Cabinet, collaborate with university leadership to analyze program ideas, develop concepts into new programs, and redesign existing programs to meet funding source requirements to address university-wide, annual, and unrestricted program needs. Provide guidance to the President and the Cabinet on philanthropic strategy and donor engagement. Participate in the strategic planning process.
• Interface with University Departments, faculty, and administrators to advance initiatives and effectively engage current students to establish future alumni and donor relations.
• Collaborates with the Marketing and Communications Department to maximize interactions through the university website, social media, email, and various other media.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of the university’s mission. Demonstrated understanding of financial and management principles and the ability to compile and interpret financial and demographic data. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to effectively lead and manage employees, organize workflow and coordinate activities in an environment that values teamwork and professional development. Ability to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from individuals and organizations. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.) and the ability to learn software databases. Working knowledge of donor Customer Relations Management (CRM) software or other fundraising database systems.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required, Master’s preferred. Seven (7) years’ professional experience in college or university advancement or comparable industry experience that includes a career pattern that displays increasing levels of skill attainment and responsibility.

Work Environment : Incumbents typically perform their work in an office and may be required to work evenings, weekends and outdoors for events, activities, and other programs. The work involves extensive use of personal computers, but does not, normally, involve any significant physical effort. Reasonable accommodation will be made for incumbents and candidates with physical limitations.

Please view the Leadership Profile for more information.

TO APPLY :

Applications should upload a cover letter, current resume and contact information of three professional references to JazzHR - Chief Development Officer - Eastern CT State University - Career Page. Cover letter should be addressed to Chair, Search Committee for the Chief Deveopment Officer. Applications submitted by September 30, 2025, will receive highest consideration.

Compensation and Employee Benefits

The Chief Information Officer is compensated at the Executive 2, salary level in accordance with CSCU Human Resources Policies for Management and Confidential Professional Personnel.

For more information, please visit  Bargaining Agreements / Pay Plans - Eastern.

The State of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University are proud to offer its employees competitive wages and a wide range of fringe benefits including voluntary and supplemental benefits.

Fringe benefits include : paid personal, vacation and sick leave accruals; medical, dental, and prescription plans; group life insurance; retirement; retiree health care; tuition waiver for employee and eligible dependents at any of the Connecticut State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern or Western) as well as an array of voluntary and supplemental benefits such as Deferred Retirement Contribution plans, Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Flexible spending accounts; long and short term disability insurance plans.

For more detailed information, please visit Human Resources - Eastern.

Eastern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies : LaMar Coleman, Ed.D., Vice President for Equity and Diversity. Dr. Coleman can be reached at : 860-465-5112 or via email at : colemanla@easternct.edu.

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