Executive Director of Donor Engagement

Baldwin Wallace University seeks a dynamic and relationship-focused Executive Director of Donor Engagement to lead the University's individual philanthropy and alumni engagement efforts. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy and Engagement Officer, this senior leadership role oversees major gifts, planned giving, alumni engagement, volunteer programs, donor stewardship, and signature engagement events, and supervises four staff.

The Executive Director leads a team of fundraising and engagement professionals while developing strategies that strengthen lifelong connections with alumni, parents, friends, and donors and increase philanthropic support for the University.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute strategies for major, leadership, principal, and planned gifts.
• Manage and develop frontline fundraising professionals and engagement staff.
• Oversee alumni engagement, volunteer leadership programs, and donor stewardship initiatives.
• Provide strategic leadership for Alumni Weekend, Homecoming, Bold & Gold, and other cultivation and stewardship events.
• Track fundraising performance, donor pipeline activity, and engagement outcomes.
• Collaborate with University leaders to advance institutional fundraising priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible fundraising or advancement leadership experience.
• Experience supervising a team.
• Demonstrated success securing major and leadership gifts.
• Experience supervising and developing fundraising professionals.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Attributes

• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring, professional development, and team cohesion.
• Experience in Raiser’s Edge or a similar fundraising database platform.
• A natural ability to build trust and rapport quickly, with a sense of humor that helps connect with donors and colleagues alike.
• Deep understanding of donor engagement strategies, philanthropic trends, and moves management best practices.
• Ability to inspire confidence and motivate donors, alumni, volunteers, and internal partners through authenticity and enthusiasm.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office environment, in-person (Berea, Ohio) during normal office hours. The position is primarily sedentary and involves regular use of a computer and other office equipment. Minimal physical effort is required. Occasional travel for donor meetings, alumni programs, and University events is expected.

How to Apply

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For strongest consideration, please submit application materials by September 1, 2026 for priority consideration.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references in one Word document or one PDF through the To Apply link on Baldwin Wallace University's Employment and Careers webpage.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, meeting applicable pre-employment requirements, and compliance with University and departmental policies, including completion of required training.

Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. At BW, we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities and as we engage our community partners.