Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center
Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center

Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center

Cowbridge Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Y

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts for the innovative Yale Schwarzman Center, engaging with donors and building relationships.
  • Company: Yale University is a prestigious institution committed to fostering creativity and community engagement.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping a cultural hub that connects art, wellness, and community.
  • Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor's degree and 6+ years in fundraising or relationship-building roles.
  • Other info: This role involves some travel and attendance at events, including nights and weekends.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center page is loaded

Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center

Apply locations Church St, 157 time type Full time posted on Posted 10 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: January 31, 2026 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition id 125292WD

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community- eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Salary Range

0.00 – 0.00OverviewYale University seeks a dynamic, talented and experienced fundraiser to build a comprehensive fundraising program supporting Yale Schwarzman Center (YSC). Reporting to both the Executive Director of Yale Schwarzman Center and the Yale College Director of Development (DOD), and serving as a member of the Schwarzman Center’s Leadership Team, the Director of Development engages and solicits prospective donors for gifts and plays a central role collaborating with the Center’s staff and fundraisers across the university. Yale Schwarzman Center is a commons for university life where art, culinary, and wellness experiences converge to build bridges, nurture creativity, and foster kinship and belonging. Through unexpected connections and collaborations and inspired by its architecture, artists and members of the Yale and New Haven communities engage with creativity through programming that ranges from the intimate to the grand. The Director of Development is responsible for helping set and communicate the Center’s fundraising priorities in accordance with the organization’s mission and strategic plan, completed in February 2024. This includes identifying and cultivating relationships with Advisory Board members, alumni, parents, friends and local community members. The Director of Development oversees and manages personalized visits to campus, tours, and other activities to inspire and strengthen relationships with new donors and friends. In collaboration with the Center’s Executive Director and the Yale College DOD, the Director of Development serves as a critical liaison in pursuing the work of the current Advisory Board, which includes high-net worth individuals and celebrity artists, while expanding the membership, and serving as a key contact for the Schwarzman Foundation. The Director of Development is responsible for excellent written communications including donor correspondence, gift/grant proposals, administrator briefings, and stewardship. The Director of Development collaborates closely with the central Office of Development and Yale Schwarzman Center leadership on creative engagement strategies including conducting research, writing, coordinating cultivation events, developing itineraries, reporting on activity, and tracking expenditures. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is interested in building a comprehensive fundraising program integral to the early success of an innovative new cultural hub. Yale Schwarzman Center is a new facility with a bold mission and possesses the potential to be not only a destination for artistic excellence, but also a place to strengthen connections and relationships across the Yale University community and with the city of New Haven. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned fundraiser who is motivated and eager to embrace the culture of a burgeoning start-up organization. This is a hybrid role with a minimum in-office expectation of 3 days per week. To achieve fundraising goals, this position requires some overnight travel to meet with donors, as well as critical attendance at Center events, including nights and weekends as needed. Yale Schwarzman Center is building an inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist organization made up of individuals who share and support the goals set forth in the Center’s mission, and who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.Required Skills and Abilities1. Excellent written and oral communication skills with special emphasis on advanced writing ability. Experience synthesizing and prioritizing information from a wide array of sources while maintaining attention to detail and effectively managing overall workflow.2. Demonstrates initiative, drive, and resiliency to secure meetings with prospective donors. Creative, innovative, flexible, with excellent organizational and analytical skills. Demonstrates emotional intelligence as well as intellectual and social curiosity.3. Commitment to an inclusive workplace.4. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects effectively and maintain a high degree of professionalism in a complex team-oriented, environment. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Proficiency using standard office software including Word and Excel. Comfort using new technology such as database systems.5. The interest and ability to be an active presence at the Center to look for opportunities to engage new donors on content. Willingness to attend nights and weekend activities to achieve engagement and fundraising objectives. Willingness and ability to travel in keeping with university guidelines.Preferred Education, Experience and SkillsExperience fundraising in the arts and/or the nonprofit sector, especially higher education. Familiarity with event planning, organizing and staffing site visits. Experience with the cultural sector (nonprofit and/or commercial such as TV/film/media, theater, dance, music, comedy).

Principal Responsibilities

1. Serve as strategic adviser to school/unit leadership on development issues. Develop fundraising priorities and articulate the mission and priorities to support the cultivation and solicitation of a wide array of potential donors. Work closely with senior management to develop short- and long-term fundraising goals and strategies, including creating and promoting opportunities for communicating fundraising needs and priorities to those who work with a broad audience of potential and prospective donors.2. Collaborate with and provide proactive support to individual giving officers in the central Office of Development, serving as a knowledgeable resource in support of potential school/unit prospect and donor development. Develop and implement cultivation strategies and methods for individual prospects, including identification of appropriate solicitation timetable, ask amount, gift vehicles, and giving opportunities for each. Work in close collaboration with fundraisers to provide opportunities for donor engagement and to achieve fundraising goals.3. Provide fundraising guidance and training, as needed, to school/unit leadership, faculty (where appropriate) and other staff in areas such as development of gift opportunities, donor cultivation and solicitation strategies, and stewardship plans.4. May manage limited portfolio of donors and prospects, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies. Promote positive relations with these prospects and donors. Participate in gift solicitations.5. Work with other Development units (e.g., Planned Giving, Corporate & Foundation Relations) to identify, engage and steward appropriate prospects.6. Craft content for use in school/unit fundraising and alumni engagement activities, including correspondence, proposals, briefings, and indentures. Participate in the development of strategy and school/unit-related content for development publications and events.7. Evaluate existing stewardship program; develop and implement changes as appropriate; and oversee and manage ongoing program.8. Manage or co-manage administrative support staff and/or student assistants, as needed.9. May perform other duties as assigned.Required Education and ExperienceBachelor\’s degree and a minimum of six or more years of experience in development/fundraising, or other relationship-building areas in complex organizations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks basedon the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit \”Learn about background checks\” under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It\’s Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties throughtheir hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale\’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.

Why Choose Yale?

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community—eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative—or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcomed. Discover your opportunities at Yale.

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Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center employer: Yale University

Yale University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the dynamic environment of the Yale Schwarzman Center. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to inclusivity, and the chance to engage with a diverse community while contributing to meaningful fundraising initiatives that support the arts and education. Located in New Haven, this role provides a unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking cultural hub that strengthens connections across the university and the local community.
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Contact Detail:

Yale University Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center

✨Tip Number 1

Network with individuals who are already involved in fundraising within the arts or higher education sectors. Attend events related to Yale or similar institutions to meet potential contacts and learn about their experiences.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the mission and strategic goals of the Yale Schwarzman Center. Understanding their vision will help you articulate how your skills and experience align with their fundraising priorities during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and diversity in your conversations. Share examples of how you've fostered these values in previous roles, as this aligns with the Centre's mission and culture.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with donor engagement strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully cultivated relationships with high-net-worth individuals or organisations in the past.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center

Excellent written and oral communication skills
Advanced writing ability
Attention to detail
Initiative and drive to secure meetings with prospective donors
Creative and innovative thinking
Strong organisational skills
Emotional intelligence
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
Proficiency in standard office software (Word, Excel)
Comfort with database systems
Experience in fundraising within the arts or nonprofit sector
Familiarity with event planning and staffing site visits
Ability to develop and implement cultivation strategies
Experience in donor engagement and stewardship
Capacity to evaluate and improve stewardship programmes
Leadership and training skills for staff and volunteers

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fundraising, particularly in the arts or nonprofit sectors. Emphasise your skills in communication and relationship-building, as these are crucial for the Director of Development role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the mission of the Yale Schwarzman Center. Discuss how your previous experiences align with their goals and how you can contribute to building their fundraising programme.

Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since excellent written communication is essential for this position, include examples of your writing in your application. This could be donor correspondence, proposals, or any relevant documents that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

Highlight Your Initiative: In your application, mention specific instances where you've taken the initiative in fundraising or donor engagement. This will showcase your drive and creativity, which are key attributes for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Yale University

✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous fundraising successes in detail. Highlight specific campaigns you've led, the strategies you employed, and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your capability to build a comprehensive fundraising programme at Yale Schwarzman Center.

✨Understand the Mission and Vision

Familiarise yourself with the mission of the Yale Schwarzman Center and its strategic goals. Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their objectives and how you can contribute to their vision of fostering creativity and community engagement.

✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

As a Director of Development, you'll need to engage with diverse stakeholders. Show your emotional intelligence by discussing how you've successfully built relationships with donors and community members in the past, and how you plan to do so at Yale.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in fundraising or donor engagement, and explain how you navigated those situations effectively.

Director of Development, Yale Schwarzman Center
Yale University
Y
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