Senior Directors of Development

several positions available

Clemson University

The Opportunity Overview

Clemson University is seeking two dynamic Senior Directors of Development to serve as unit leads on its University Development team. One Senior Director will partner closely with the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, and the other will support the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. These senior-level roles offer outstanding opportunities for accomplished advancement professionals to shape philanthropic strategy and drive fundraising success for two of Clemson’s most pivotal colleges. The Senior Directors will play an integral role as the University advances Fiercely Forward: A Campaign for Clemson, launched in February 2025.

The Senior Directors of Development are responsible for leading all philanthropic strategy for their respective colleges. They manage major-gift portfolios and are expected to secure at least $2 million annually in philanthropic support, while partnering closely with Deans and university leadership to advance institutional priorities. Serving as the primary liaison to the Advancement Division, they guide donor cultivation and stewardship efforts, supervise development staff and strengthen the philanthropic pipeline to support capital and campaign goals. Candidates should bring a minimum of five years of fundraising or related experience, with a strong preference for a proven record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in higher education or complex nonprofit environments.

These Senior Director roles offer a competitive salary range of $130,000–$150,000, along with an excellent benefits package.

About Clemson University

As a Carnegie R1 research institution, Clemson is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation. The faculty and researchers are leading efforts to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from sustainability and health to advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Clemson University is among the top 25 public institutions in America, according to recent Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings. Clemson also holds the top spot among universities in the Palmetto State, according to the WSJ/College Pulse and recent rankings announced by Forbes and Niche. In addition to its overall ranking, the University also notched several impressive marks in the WSJ/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, including a score of 84 in salary impact, measuring universities’ impact on their graduates’ salaries and how this relates to the cost of attending the college.

About Clemson University Foundation

Clemson University, founded in 1889 and located in Clemson, South Carolina, is a top public four-year institution offering more than 80 undergraduate majors and 130 graduate programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R1 research university, Clemson is a national leader in groundbreaking research and innovation, tackling global challenges in areas such as sustainability, health, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Consistently ranked among the nation’s best—including placement among the top 25 public universities by the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and the top institution in South Carolina by WSJ, Forbes and Niche—Clemson is a purpose-driven community where students, faculty and staff work together to shape the future, supported by strong outcomes such as an 84 salary-impact score in recent national rankings.

The Clemson University Foundation, chartered in 1933, is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the welfare and future development of Clemson University.

Location

Clemson, South Carolina