Executive Director of Advancement Services & Donor Engagement

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Alumni Engagement and Development, the Executive Director is a senior leader in Yale Law School's Alumni Engagement and Development office and leads strategic initiatives and eight staff across gift administration, alumni and fundraising communications, donor relations, data and analytics. The role integrates these functions to advance fundraising, honor donor intent, demonstrate impact, and strengthen engagement.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership; Recruit, onboard, supervise, and develop eight staff; Advise the Associate Dean on organization, staffing, resources, risk, policy, technology, and coordination; Assess funding needs and recommend priorities; Oversee accurate, timely, donor-centered administration of gifts, pledges, agreements, funds, acknowledgments, and complex transactions; Ensure compliance with donor intent, University policy, law, and professional standards; Advise on gift acceptance, restrictions, recognition, and stewardship; Own alumni and fundraising communications; Lead editorial and audience strategy, production, digital platforms, and reusable content and visual assets; Lead acknowledgments, recognition, giving societies, stewardship planning, donor events, and current use and endowment fund reporting; Maintain records of donor intent, stewardship purposes, reporting, and recognition commitments; Lead the governance, security, integrity, and use of advancement data and technology; Oversee dashboards, forecasting, pipeline analysis, segmentation, integrations, automation, and emerging technology; Expand self-service reporting, documentation, and training; Play a central role in advancing major fundraising initiatives and helping determine where philanthropic investment can have the greatest impact

Requirements

Demonstrated success leading staff and multidisciplinary functions in a complex organization; Deep experience in alumni communications and donor relations, including segmentation, multichannel content, stewardship, recognition, impact reporting, and sensitive donor matters; Broad knowledge of gift administration, data, analytics, and fundraising operations; Exceptional judgment and analytical, project-management, and communication skills; Ability to manage priorities, maintain confidentiality, lead change, and build partnerships; Ability and willingness to travel, and work some weekends and evenings as needed; Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace; Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience with client-centric, metrics focused organizations; Program management and supervisory experience; Strong track record of building donor relationships and closing 6-figure+ gifts

Nice to have

Substantial alumni or advancement communications and donor relations responsibility; Advanced degree, higher education or campaign experience; Knowledge of CASE standards, gift rules, donor privacy, systems, reporting, and technology

Benefits

A general description of the benefits to be offered with this Managerial & Professional position is available at Yale Benefits