Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina - United States
Clemson University invites nominations and applications for the position of Senior Director of Development and Team Lead for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS). Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Senior Director serves as the College's chief advancement officer, providing strategic leadership for its philanthropic priorities while leading a team of development and support professionals.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the nation's leading public research universities during a period of significant institutional and fundraising momentum. Clemson publicly launched Fiercely Forward: A Campaign for Clemson in 2025, an ambitious $1.889 billion comprehensive campaign designed to advance the University's priorities in student success, faculty excellence, research and innovation, facilities, and endowment growth.
As one of Clemson University's largest and most research-intensive academic units, the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences plays a central role in advancing the University's strategic vision. Home to more than 60 degree and certificate programs, CECAS is a leader in engineering, computing, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, mobility, sustainability, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The College's interdisciplinary structure, growing research enterprise, and strong partnerships with industry position it as a powerful driver of innovation, workforce development, and economic impact across South Carolina and beyond.
Working closely with Dean Anand K. Gramopadhye, academic leaders, and colleagues throughout the Advancement Division, the Senior Director will develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, expand the College's major and principal gift pipeline, and connect donors with opportunities to support transformative initiatives in student success, faculty excellence, research, innovation, industry engagement, and facilities. The Senior Director will manage a portfolio of up to 150 prospects and donors, conduct approximately 160-180 substantive visits annually, and work toward an annual fundraising goal of at least $5 million.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished, collaborative advancement professional who can translate complex academic and research priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities. This individual will be an effective fundraiser, strategist, relationship builder, and team leader who is energized by Clemson's deeply engaged alumni community, ambitious campaign, strong culture of philanthropy, and commitment to innovation and impact.
WittKieffer is assisting Clemson University in this search. For full consideration, all materials should be received by October 30. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons above. The position will remain open until an appointment is made.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Ashley Buderus and Jevon Walton [email protected].
Clemson prohibits discrimination, including harassment, of any applicant, employee, student, guest or visitor because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age (40+), disability, protected veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other personal characteristics protected under applicable federal or state law