Director of External Relations/Chief Development Officer

The Director of External Relations will report to the Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Director will oversee all aspects of the department’s philanthropic efforts through developing, implementing and coordinating all the fundraising and external relations functions of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). He/she will specifically serve as the primary development officer for the department, concentrating on corporate relations and major gifts for individuals.

The Director will apply knowledge and understanding of the University of Maryland, the Clark School of Engineering, and especially ECE—its traditions, programs, assets, needs and priorities to the development process. He/she must be able to persuasively discuss academic programs, needs and priorities with prospective donors and volunteers. He/she should also be comfortable working with prominent and wealthy individuals. The Department has a deep pool of unqualified individual prospective donors whom the Director will begin to identify, cultivate solicit and steward. Additionally, the Director will work with faculty and staff to develop and expand multi-faceted relationships with corporations that will produce philanthropic gifts, research grants and partnerships, and close collaborations with faculty and students.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions.   Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience, specifically in raising philanthropic funds from corporations and individuals.

• Supervisory Experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of development and demonstrated success in major ($50,000+) gifts fund raising and development management is required.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, both written and verbal, are required.
• Ability to work with volunteers, senior administration and faculty is necessary.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects and quickly discern complex and competing interests.
• Ability to travel occasionally
• Requires attendance at some weekend and evening events.

Preferences

• M.S. preferred
• Knowledge of administrative operations at the University of Maryland desirable.
• Five years of development or customer relationship management experience, campaign experience is desirable.
• Proven record of closing six and seven-figure gifts is desirable.
• Experience identifying, cultivating and directly soliciting major gifts in an academic setting is desirable. Strong management skills and experience are desirable.
• Commitment to the values and role of public, research university and the ability to articulate the importance and centrality of engineering is essential.
• Experience in working in engineering or the sciences is desirable.
• Experience in a complex research institution is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Local and national travel may be required
• Predominantly sedentary position/work.
• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to sit for an extended time and operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Ability to review, prepare, and analyze data and figures; transcribe; view a computer terminal; extensive reading.
• Ability to traverse on and off campus for meetings and to transport supplies and materials.
• Able to communicate with faculty, staff, and students who have inquiries and exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Some evening and weekend meetings and events attendance will be required.