Director of Development - Central European University | Hungary

The Director of Development, a member of the University’s Senior Staff, is devoted to the growth and advancement of the University’s Development Office through front-line fundraising of major and leadership gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Reporting to and working closely with the University’s President and Rector and Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Development will develop and successfully implement a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan to meet short and long-term fundraising goals. He/she must maintain an in-depth knowledge of the University's priorities and inspire the respect and confidence of the executive, academic, administrative, and trustee leadership of the University. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-to-senior level development professional to gain international fundraising experience and play a key role in building a relatively new Development Office (just over 3 years old) into a sophisticated and sustainable fundraising program.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Research, build and manage a portfolio of active major gift fundraising prospects, who will be largely “affinity-based” (i.e. not originating from CEU’s alumni constituency)
•  Manage an international development team to successfully develop and implement a targeted, annual fundraising plan and guide major individual gift, foundation and corporate fundraising activities
•  Create strategies and specific plans for the cultivation, solicitation, closing and continued stewardship of major gift prospects and donors
•  Conduct prospect visits to major individual and corporate gift prospects and donors, alone or in conjunction with CEU’s President or Senior Leadership and Faculty
•  Identify needs for development communications materials for print, online and visual media in partnership with appropriate faculty and in accordance with the strategic needs of the University.
•  Draft proposals for major individual, foundation, or corporate support
•  Manage and execute Development and Alumni-related events, ranging from large-scale galas to intimate donor dinners
•  Lead the further professionalization of Development operations, including utilization of the Raiser’s Edge database, and gift recording and designated purpose fund accounting procedures
•  Assist in engaging and building the University’s leadership, particularly members of the Board of Trustees

Professional Qualifications & Experience:

•  Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred)
•  At least five years of progressive responsibility in fundraising, especially in individual, foundation and corporate major gifts, preferably in a University setting
• Demonstrated ability to solicit and close major gifts, especially those in the four- to six-figure range
•  Experience creating development strategies
•  Proven experience and proficiency at developing and maintaining a large number and wide range of relationships, both externally and internally in an organization

Professional Skills & Knowledge:

•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
•  Proficient IT skills; experience with Raiser’s Edge is imperative
•  Excellent interpersonal skills
•  Experience managing staff
•  An ability to work under pressure, to prioritize and to make deadlines
•  An understanding of the differences between university fundraising in an American context and fundraising in other regional contexts is desirable
•  Ability to travel internationally as needed

Compensation:

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, as well as a dynamic, supportive, and international academic environment, in an elegant and vibrant European capital—Budapest.

How to apply: 

Applicants need to submit: • A cover letter, directly explaining how your experience fits the responsibilities and expectations of this position • A full resume, with at least three professional references, including persons to whom you report directly Please send your complete application package to: ceu-hro@ceu.hu - including job code in subject line: 2012/062 CEU is an equal opportunity employer.