Executive Director of Engagement

Baldwin Wallace University seeks a dynamic, engaging, and highly experienced fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Engagement, a key deputy to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. This senior leader oversees all front-line fundraising and alumni engagement activities and manages a team of six professionals dedicated to cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift prospects across the University’s programs. This is an exempt, full-time position. 

The ideal candidate brings deep experience closing major and principal gifts, a warm and friendly interpersonal style, and a sense of humor that helps build trust and strong relationships with donors, colleagues, alumni, and campus partners. This individual will foster an environment where high performance and enjoyment in the work are not mutually exclusive.

The Executive Director will mentor and coach staff managing portfolios in major gifts, principal gifts, alumni engagement, foundation relations, and planned giving (estates and trusts), while also actively managing a portfolio of high-level prospects. 

This role partners closely with the Executive Director of Philanthropy Operations to ensure alignment in planning, events, prospect research, data integrity, and goal setting. The Executive Director of Engagement plays a crucial role in advancing Baldwin Wallace’s philanthropic priorities and strengthening the University’s connections with alumni, donors, and community leaders.

Key Responsibilities

The following outlines the essential functions of the position and is not to be considered a detailed description of all duties inherent in the position.  

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of six front-line fundraisers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, positivity, and good humor.
• Create an environment that values relationship-building, professional growth, and thoughtful risk-taking.
• Provide strategic guidance and coaching to staff managing major gifts, principal gifts, alumni engagement, foundation relations, and planned giving portfolios.

Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Maintain a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, engaging in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with confidence and warmth.
• Demonstrate a strong track record in closing significant philanthropic commitments, including major and principal gifts.
• Develop and implement strategic fundraising approaches to grow support across all University programs.
• Occasional travel for events and donor meetings required. 

Strategic Planning & Collaboration

• Partner with the Executive Director of Philanthropy Operations to align operational support, events, prospect research, moves management, and data-driven goal setting.
• Collaborate with academic leaders, alumni relations, and other University units to advance institutional engagement and philanthropic priorities.
• Represent the University with authenticity, approachability, and a spirit of partnership.

Performance Management

• Establish clear performance metrics and accountability structures for all team members.
• Monitor progress toward individual and team fundraising goals and adjust strategies as needed to strengthen outcomes.
• Use data and Raiser’s Edge to inform decision-making and portfolio optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a front-line fundraiser, with a proven record of soliciting and closing major and principal gifts, including 6‑ and 7‑figure commitments.
• Demonstrated success managing and motivating fundraising teams in complex organizations, preferably in higher education or the nonprofit sector.
• Expertise in Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems.
• Strong strategic thinking, relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with professionalism, discretion, and a friendly, approachable manner.

Preferred Attributes

• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring, professional development, and team cohesion.
• Experience in Raiser’s Edge or another similar program.
• 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, and internal partners through authenticity and enthusiasm.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office environment. The position is primarily sedentary and involves regular use of a computer and other office equipment. Minimal physical effort is required.

Occasional travel for events and donor meetings required.

How to Apply

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For strongest consideration, please submit before January 30, 2026. Send resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references in one (1) Word document or one (1) PDF and submit via the To Apply link on BW’s Employment and Careers’ web page.  https://www.bw.edu/employment

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.