"Program Manager, Principal Gifts"

Overview

Reporting to the University Director, Principal Gifts, the Program Manager manages a team of program coordinators and administrative professionals to ensure a high level of support for the Associate Vice President, University Director, and Principal Gift Officers in their work to raise transformational gifts for Yale’s highest priorities. Responsible for hiring and training new program coordinators and administrative team members. Serves as senior editor to the team as it produces timely, high-quality gift proposals, written briefing materials and draft correspondence for Yale leadership, donor stewardship reports, and other writing projects in accordance with style guides and established procedural guidelines. Supports and coaches program coordinator and administrative assistant team members as they collaborate with gift officers to produce special events, manage prospect cases, and take on other assignments as required. Designs and conducts trainings for staff to enhance their effectiveness and foster their professional development. Manages projects of varying sorts, which could include data management and reporting, streamlining and implementing changes to operational procedures, compiling and distributing prospect lists, and event coordination. Works closely with key Yale staff, faculty members, and all units within the Office of Development. Serves as a liaison with the Office of the President concerning written materials. Serves as a member of the Associate Vice President’s management team.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to train and coach staff with varying experience and expertise. Ability to interact in a professional manner with high-level administrators and donors.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, editorial skills, and attention to detail. Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency using database systems to produce reports and other analysis. Cover letter and writing sample required at time of interview.
3. Professionalism, maturity, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
4. Ability to prioritize work, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to initiate and apply creative solutions.
5. Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Ability to work well, both independently and as part of a diverse team.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Experience in a University setting or with development work. Familiarity with Yale. Experience working directly with high-level executives, faculty, or administrators. Ability to design and produce reports and create presentations.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Plans, directs and oversees programmatic activities in support of the overall mission. Initiates, develops and oversees projects that advance the unit’s goals.
2. Tracks program activities and regularly informs leadership of progress. Recommends structural or programmatic adjustments, changes or additions based on full knowledge of mission, goals, and objectives. Develops, as needed, metrics to identify and measure success.
3. Develops, implements, and maintains operational policies and procedures. Innovates and develops best practices in line with changing unit and departmental needs. Serves as a resource to the unit director and others, as needed, in the work of the team.
4. Hires and supervises staff, overseeing workflow and ensuring equal distribution and timely completion of work. Meets regularly with direct reports and provides feedback and conducts reviews. Evaluates team productivity and makes necessary adjustments.
5. Sets and maintains quality standards for all materials provided by and for the unit. Devises and implements plans for communications with stakeholders and others.
6. May participate in training of new staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the resources and procedures within the unit.
7. May hire and directly supervises unit’s student employees, including training and coordination of project assignments.
8. Keeps abreast of University information, disseminating to team members as appropriate.
9. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree and two years of related experience and two years’ supervisory experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Details

Posted: 25-Mar-26

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 133374WD

Job Category: Manager

Time Type: Full time

Work Model: Hybrid