Senior Director of Development

The Senior Director of Development (SDOD) plays a pivotal role in CG, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer with a dotted line to the Vice President for University Development within the Office of Alumni Relations and Development. Their primary responsibility involves driving revenue generation, fundraising, and resource development activities for Columbia Global. The SDOD collaborates closely with leadership to design and implement a multifaceted revenue generation strategy, as well as overseeing development strategy and awards management functions. 

Working in conjunction with other members of CG's leadership and the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, the SDOD develops initiatives to optimize the organization's financial position. They plan and execute activities that diversify and sustain financial support from various sources, such as individuals, foundations, corporations, bilateral agencies, and government entities. 

The SDOD is fully accountable for executing CG’s revenue generation and fundraising strategy, securing donor and partner funding. They establish and achieve strategic targets for revenue generation, donor engagement, business development processes, and donor compliance. Meeting annual and cumulative revenue goals is part of their responsibility. Moreover, the Senior Director ensures seamless coordination of development activities with other functions and operational departments within Columbia Global and the broader University including the Office of Alumni and Development and Sponsored Projects Administration. Transparency, donor compliance, and effective organizational decision-making are facilitated through "best-in-class" processes and systems that oversee the entire process lifecycle from opportunity to closeout. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive revenue generation plan that includes sponsored projects (i.e., bilateral and multilateral funding), contracts, grants, gifts, corporate partnerships, with a focus on diversifying revenue streams and expanding the donor base; 
• Identify and cultivate new donors, sponsors, and funding sources, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies in coordination with the broader University protocols through the Office of Alumni and Development;
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and partners, including developing and implementing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies in close coordination with the broader University protocols in the Office of Alumni and Development and Sponsored Projects Administration;
• Provide strategic direction and supervision to the Columbia Global fundraising team and other staff with revenue generation responsibilities, including setting goals, managing performance, and ensuring accountability for results;
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Columbia Global senior leadership, board/volunteer members, and other key stakeholders, and effectively communicate the organization's mission, vision, and impact to donors and supporters;
• Oversee the development and implementation of fundraising plans and events, including planning, execution, and evaluation;
• Establish and manage the Columbia partners database and management systems, and ensure timely and accurate submission of proposals, reports and required materials. All donor activity will be recorded in the University’s Advance system;
• Work closely with Columbia Global program and finance staff to understand programmatic priorities and funding needs and develop compelling proposals and reports for funders;
• Monitor and analyze trends in fundraising and donor behavior, including forecasting, and make strategic recommendations for improving fundraising performance and effectiveness;
• Prepare regular reports on performance, including revenue, expenses, and return on investment, and provide updates to senior leadership;
• Collaborate with Columbia Global Communications and Monitoring and Evaluation teams to develop and execute effective messaging and branding strategies that support fundraising efforts;
• Coordinate closely with and utilize systems, process, and approaches of Columbia University offices such as Office of Alumni and Development and Sponsored Projects Administration;
• Manage a budget for fundraising activities and ensure efficient use of resources;
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, legal regulations, and industry best practices in fundraising and donor stewardship;
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s Degree. Minimum ten years of fundraising experience, preferably in a nonprofit and/or international organization. 

**This position requires 20-30% travel domestically and internationally. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in securing significant funding (7-8 figures) from individuals, corporations, multilateral organizations, government, and foundations with an international context.
• Experience in creating and implementing a comprehensive revenue generation and fundraising plan, including gifts, grants, contracts, corporate sponsorships, and events. 
• Experience in new business development, including identifying and securing new funding streams.
• Experience managing a team and leading cross-functional initiatives. 
• Experience with donor and partnership database management. 
• Knowledge of best practices in revenue generation and fundraising, including ethical standards, legal regulations, and industry trends. 
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis to inform revenue generation and fundraising strategies. 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop creative solutions for revenue generation and fundraising challenges. 
• Experience working with senior leadership and board members. 
• Experience with project management and budgeting.