Duquesne University · 14 hours ago
Associate Vice President, Principal Giving and Alumni Engagement – Leadership Giving
Pittsburgh, PA, US
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
10+ years expDuquesne University is a Catholic institution committed to academic excellence and community service. The Associate Vice President for Principal Giving and Alumni Engagement will lead efforts to secure transformational philanthropic support and oversee alumni engagement initiatives aligned with the university's strategic priorities.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Develops and implements individualized strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, aligning their philanthropic interests with Duquesne’s institutional priorities and goals
Partner with university leadership, deans, faculty, and advancement colleagues to identify and promote funding opportunities and craft compelling cases for support
Position includes extensive travel to meet donors, prospects, and alumni—estimated travel equal to 65% of the time
Provides the strategic leadership and vision for the Alumni Engagement Team
Responsible for developing and implementing a multi-year strategic plan for that Team that elevates the alumni experience, utilizes best practices and aligns with the university’s advancement goals
Identify and prioritize opportunities and innovations to deepen alumni involvement across key areas including career development, volunteerism, mentorship, and philanthropy
Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate alumni engagement into broader university initiatives and campaigns
In consultation with the SVP, contribute to the planning and execution of comprehensive fundraising campaigns including initiatives for capital projects, student support including scholarships and endowed faculty positions
Collaborates with SVP on strategic engagement with key prospects, work with members of the University advancement committee on identification of new prospects and develop outreach strategies and other work as assigned
Completes other duties as assigned
Supervises the work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work, ensuring quality standards
Is responsible for hiring, terminating, training, and developing, reviewing performance, and administering corrective action for staff
Plans organizational structure and job content
Qualification
Required
BA/BS degree from an accredited institution and 10+ years of work-related experience
Progressively responsible development experience in a university setting
Successful track record being the primarily responsible person for closing gifts of $500,000 plus and a demonstrated sustained track record in identifying, cultivating and closing six-and seven-figure gifts
Successful experience in managing fundraising for campaign initiatives and alumni programming is essential
Proven track record of long-term strategic planning and successful implementation and execution of alumni programs
PA Driver's license in good standing
Preferred
MA from an accredited institution
Experience navigating a complex university environment strongly preferred
A successful track record of success in personally working with major gift prospects, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to close gifts with a demonstrated success closing gifts as the primary gift officer of $500,000 and above
Knowledge of advancement best practices and a working understanding of planned giving and other complex gift structures
Visionary thinker with the ability to translate strategy into action
Successful track record of developing innovative and creative alumni engagement programs
Proven experience in successfully leading individuals through the donor cycle—identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, stewardship
The ability to determine the best strategy for engaging a donor-what is a short-term win versus the long-term goal, and who within the university plays a vital role in achieving those goals
Collaborative and adaptable leader who thrives in challenging and demanding situations with grace, in the spirit of the catholic mission
Experience with CRM database systems like Slate, Raiser's Edge, or Salesforce
Passion for higher education and alumni engagement
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community
Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University
Benefits
Paid time off including holidays and vacation
Retirement match
Tuition remission for employee and dependents
Company
Duquesne University
Duquesne University provides a vibrant setting for a horizon-expanding education.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Duquesne University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2)
2024 (6)
2023 (7)
2022 (4)
2021 (2)
2020 (11)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$10.47MKey Investors
CDMRPPeirce Family FoundationEden Hall Foundation
2024-08-13Grant· $1.5M
2022-10-12Grant· $4.47M
2022-04-13Grant· $1.5M
Leadership Team
David Dausey
Executive Vice President
Kenneth Gormley
President
Recent News
2025-11-19
2025-09-27
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