Director of Development for Schools, Centers, Programs, and Academic Initiatives

Working Title :

Director of Development for Schools, Centers, Programs, and Academic Initiatives

Position Number : FA297

FLSA : Exempt

Appointment Type : Full Time

Sensitive Position : No

Sensitive Position Statement :

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history Check.

Campus Security Authority :

No

Campus Security Authority Statement :

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel :

No

Designated Personnel Statement :

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest :

No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement :

This position may require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position :

No

Restricted Position Statement :

A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding.

Chief Objective of Position :

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement, the Director of Development for Schools, Programs, and Academic Initiatives will implement annual and major gift initiatives and external engagement projects that support the University’s mission, engage in the community, provide new opportunities for students, faculty and alumni, and garner new and increased financial resources. The Director will secure major gifts that support annual and endowment fundraising objectives. The Director will serve as the chief fundraiser and liaison for the University’s academic centers, programs, schools and colleges.

Work Tasks :

• Build and implement a donor pipeline strategy for visit plan and schedule for engaging those prospects through a series of contacts, tracking those contacts and moving the prospects forward along the pipeline from identification to solicitation and stewardship.
• Set metric goals based on prospect analysis. Annual donor visits and donor contact targets will be established in conjunction with the Senior Associate Vice President.
• With the Director of Prospect Research, prioritize alumni and friends who have been researched and identified as Qualified Major Gift Prospects for cultivation or solicitations.
• In conjunction with other Advancement and University leaders, collaborate on events, on and off campus, in the plans for cultivation and engagement leading to solicitation.
• Prepare proposals, strategic donor briefs prior to donor visits and conversations, coordinate appropriate donor stewardship efforts, and handle necessary follow-up efforts after visits and events.
• In partnership with the Special Assistant to the Vice President and Donor Relations Manager, coordinate stewardship and donor relations efforts through the year.
• Work with academic and programmatic leadership across the University – the Deans, the leaders of the academic and programmatic centers to constantly identify and pursue opportunities and priorities for engaging alumni, parents, friends, and community supporters that can lead to new or increased financial support and institutional involvement.
• Serve as the primary Advancement leader for academic and University initiatives to achieve fundraising goals.
• Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and / or relations within the office / department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude. Practice inclusive leadership, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and commit to creating an inclusive environment for all employees as well as fully supporting the “Students First” value at Christopher Newport.
• This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

Safety

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position :

Required Education :

Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Additional Consideration - Education :

Master’s Degree and / or additional educational certificates.

Experience Required :

Additional Consideration - Experience :

CNU Information :

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.

Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu .

Is this position telework eligible? :

Yes

Telework Eligibility Disclaimer :

This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and / or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.

Posting Number : AP424P

Number of Vacancies :

Posting Date :

09 / 09 / 2025

Review Begin Date : 10 / 08 / 2025

Application Instructions :

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by 10 / 08 / 2025.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and / or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Quick Link for Internal Postings :

https : / / jobs.cnu.edu / postings / 19820

EEO / Diversity Statement(s) :

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement