Director of Principal Gifts

Director of Principal Gifts

Northern Arizona University

Special Information

• NAU is currently engaged in transitioning to a new employment category called University Staff, which aligns the current Classified Staff, Service Professional, and Administrator classifications into a single, unified employment group. As a result, while this position is currently classified as Service Professional, effective July 1, 2026, this position will be automatically transitioned to the University Staff category.
• This position is a hybrid position which allows the incumbent to complete their work at both an NAU site, campus, or facility and at a non-centralized site with or without accommodation.
• Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a regular part of this position.
• Due to a university‑wide staff classification transition, the expected start date for this position is on or after July 6, 2026.

About the Department/College

NAU Advancement | Foundation engages students, alumni, parents, friends, and the broader NAU community to connect, invest, and inspire current and future Lumberjacks.

About the Position

As a leader of the Principal Gifts team, The Director of Principal Gifts, holds the primary responsibility for planning and executing development strategies for securing principal gifts (gifts of $1 million or more). ... This position reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Central Advancement. This position's work location can be the Flagstaff Mountain Campus or the Phoenix North Valley Campus.

Responsibilities Include

40% - Fundraising and Relationship Building

• Prioritize portfolio of NAU's top principal gift prospects and work collaboratively to execute principal gift fundraising goals.

20% - Program Administration

20% - People Management

15% - Strategy Development

5% - Other

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.
• 3 years of management experience.
• 5 years of experience as a front-line fundraiser with personal solicitation of individual major gifts, or relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field.
• Established record of closing major gifts of $50,000 or more, or revenue metrics that support organizational priorities.

Compensation

Salary range begins at $136,194 to $169,853. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.