The Fine Art of Fundraising: Becoming the Director of Advancement at Cardozo School of Law
Ah, the life of a Director of Advancement! While the title may sound like you’re the head of a covert operation dealing with life-altering decisions, in reality, it often involves a delightful blend of charm, persuasive writing, and a hefty bit of coffee consumption. Yes, here’s the scoop: the Cardozo School of Law is on the hunt for a new Director of Advancement. And when I say hunt, I mean they want someone to woo their alumni so effectively, that they will be reaching for their checkbooks faster than a student at a coffee stand during finals week!
Your Responsibilities: A Saucy Overview
Let’s break it down because the job sounds as busy as a barista on a Monday morning! The Director of Advancement will lead a fine ensemble cast, a.k.a. the Institutional Advancement team, in a theatrical performance that involves:
- Launching strategic development plans that spark joy (and donations)
- Maintaining a vast portfolio of major donors – think rich alumni with hearts (and wallets) the size of Texas.
- Maneuvering through a delightful maze of personal contacts and cold-calls, letting charm be your guide.
- Supervising a few lucky individuals who will surely learn that laughter is a great way to ease the pain of rejection.
Of course, you’ll be swiping through a roster of 150 prospects—much like a dating app—hopefully leading to some long-lasting relationships (and substantial donations).
Experience & Skills: A Tall Order or a Walk in Central Park?
Now, before you toss your hat into the ring, let’s chat about the experience needed. They’re looking for someone with a minimum of seven years in development or a related field, preferably with the fine institution of higher education in mind. Why so picky, you ask? Because just like dating, you want someone who has been around the fundraising block a few times. You must juggle many balls—projects, relationships, maybe even your sanity.
But wait, there’s more! Skills? You’ll, of course, need to be a wizard of communication—think of yourself as the Hermione Granger of this magical world of fundraising. Prowess in Microsoft Suite? You better believe they want you to be able to navigate spreadsheets without breaking a sweat.
Why Cardozo? Because It’s Not Just About Dollars
Now, why would someone want to work at Cardozo School of Law? Well, darling, it’s all in the history! Founded back in 1886, Yeshiva University prides itself on being a melting pot of Jewish scholarship and academic excellence. They’re looking for engaged individuals who want to jump into a world where tradition dances with aspirations to shape the future. Plus, there’s an attractive salary range of $130,000 – $150,000, not to mention four weeks of paid vacation—a win-win if you ask me!
And let’s be real, helping to raise funds towards a whopping $50 million goal (Did you catch that? $50 million!) can lead to more than just a few checks; it’s about being part of something grand. It’s about legacy, loyalty, and yes, let’s not forget those delectable fundraising galas where you can rub elbows with influential folks while strategically discussing their future contributions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to step into the role of Fundraising Czar while mastering the art of charm and benefactions, then dust off your resume and prepare your best elevator pitch. It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride of engagement, networking, and occasionally dodging questions about “why should I give?” Just remember: keep it engaging, keep it fun, and may the Schwartz be with you!
For those curious, you can find the application link here—because if you snooze, you lose, my friend!
Director of Advancement, Cardozo School of Law
Job No: 497770
Work Type: Staff Full-time
Department: Institutional Advancement
Location: Brookdale Center, 55 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY
Categories: Academic Administration, Legal
Position Summary: The Director of Advancement plays a pivotal role within the Institutional Advancement Team, reporting to the Associate Dean for Institutional Advancement (IA). This leader will spearhead the design and implementation of a comprehensive strategic development plan aimed at enhancing fundraising efforts through major and planned gifts, along with innovative fundraising events and campaigns like the Annual Fund. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of major gifts, specifically targeting alumni and friends of Cardozo School of Law capable of contributing $10,000 or more.
The successful candidate will oversee an active portfolio of 150 prospects, guiding them through a meticulous giving cycle that includes discovery, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship. As an integral part of a collaborative and dynamic team, the Director will help propel Cardozo toward its ambitious fundraising targets.
Currently, Cardozo School of Law is in the fourth year of a comprehensive University-wide campaign, striving to raise $50 million in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2026. Remarkably, the law school has already accumulated over $40 million in contributions, showcasing the momentum behind this significant fundraising initiative.
Position Responsibilities:
- Construct and implement activities designed to not only increase but also diversify and sustain philanthropic support for the Cardozo community.
- Act as the primary liaison to the Associate Dean of Advancement, ensuring that development operations run smoothly and effectively meet the needs of the Law School Dean.
- Achieve fundraising goals by actively engaging with prospects and board members, facilitating successful gift closures.
- Maintain a focused portfolio of 150 major-rated donors, particularly prioritizing relationships with board members and engaged alumni while continually exploring potential donors.
- Conduct a minimum of 150 personal contacts annually, forging connections to cultivate and solicit prospects, ultimately leading to gift closures.
- Meet or exceed personal annual fundraising objectives set in collaboration with the Associate Dean of IA.
- Travel may be required, particularly for assignments in New York and the surrounding region, including attendance at various fundraising events.
- Engage in planned giving discussions annually, contributing to the overall wealth of institutional resources.
- Supervise a dedicated team of 1-3 fundraising professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
- Collaborate with the Associate Director of Advancement to manage the Annual Fund Campaign, implemented through diverse outreach efforts including email appeals, direct mail, and phone-a-thons.
- Serve as an integral member of special initiatives such as Giving Day, and collaborate with board members and committed donors to establish matching fund opportunities.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Cardozo’s development priorities and programs, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the law school’s mission and aspirations.
- Contribute to a highly collaborative environment, engaging with various departments, senior administration, faculty, and staff across the law school.
- Prepare detailed solicitation materials, including gift proposals and briefings for the Associate Dean of IA and the Dean of the Law School.
- Ensure comprehensive and timely maintenance of all records within the database system.
Experience & Educational Background:
- Successful candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of seven years in development or a related field is essential, ideally with a focus on higher education settings.
- Prior experience managing campaign activities and teams is preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
- Exceptional organizational skills, combined with superior written and oral communication capabilities, are mandatory for this position.
- A proven track record of successfully driving numerous projects and effectively collaborating with diverse teams is required.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with faculty, staff, alumni, and various stakeholders.
- The candidate must demonstrate prior success in achieving fundraising goals while managing high-level donor relationships.
- The capacity to present complex information in a compelling and clear manner is crucial.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word & PowerPoint) is required, alongside a willingness to learn a new prospect management database (Ellucian CRM).
- Strong judgment in resource allocation to advance fundraising goals is necessary.
- A collaborative and enthusiastic spirit as a team player is highly valued.
- This position may entail evening/weekend events and some domestic travel commitments.
Salary Range: $130,000 – $150,000
About Us: Established in 1886, Yeshiva University (YU) has fostered a tradition that unites Jewish scholarship with academic excellence across a spectrum of disciplines, including law, medicine, business, and the liberal arts. As a distinguished global educational institution, we employ 2,000 individuals across multiple campuses, including the Wilf Campus, Beren Campus, and the Brookdale Center, among others. Our dedicated staff and faculty collectively enhance our educational mission, striving to create a dynamic working environment that celebrates community and inclusivity among diverse populations.
The University provides a robust compensation package and an extensive range of employee benefits, including immediate participation in the retirement plan and four weeks of paid vacation annually. Shuttle services to nearby subway stations are also available for commuting staff.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Yeshiva University is an equal-opportunity employer committed to hiring minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.
Application Instructions:
To apply, visit
Yeshiva University is an equal-opportunity employer committed to hiring minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.
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How can involvement in the Cardozo Society enhance a legal professional’s career prospects?
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**Final Countdown: What’s Next?**
So, if you’ve been nodding along and feeling inspired by a calling to lead the charge in philanthropic endeavors at Cardozo School of Law, now’s your chance! The opportunity awaits for you to become the catalyst of innovation and engagement in this pivotal role.
With your charm, extensive experience, and organizational prowess, you could make a significant impact—not just on the institution’s fundraising goals, but also on the lives of countless students and faculty members who will benefit from your hard work. This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy at a prestigious institution while enjoying a rewarding salary and work-life balance.
Prepare to put your best foot forward and take this opportunity to shine. Good luck with your application!