Head of Development - CDI 100%

IMD is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Development to lead its fundraising efforts and drive philanthropic support for the institution’s mission. This senior role will manage and mentor a small team of development professionals and hold a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals and alumni and soliciting support for the school’s top priorities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Alumni & Development Officer to lay the foundation for a capital campaign.

Key Activities & Accountabilities
• Working with the Chief Alumni & Development Officer, develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with IMD’s institutional priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of two fundraisers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Personally manage a portfolio of 100 major gift prospects and donors, securing philanthropic contributions at the six and seven figure level.
• Conducts 110 prospect visits per year.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead and/or support capital campaign planning.
• Work closely with senior leadership, faculty, and colleagues across IMD to identify funding opportunities and align development efforts.
• Monitor fundraising performance, prepare reports, and use data to inform strategy and decision-making.

Education & Experience
• 7+ years related experience
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Understanding of, and passion for, the role and value of higher education in society
• Fluent in English with a preference for second language in German, and/or French.

Competencies
• Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, foundations, and other private funding sources.
• Demonstrated ability in planning and implementing long- and short-range development initiatives in conjunction with strategic planning processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles.
• Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.
• Database management skills. Experience with Salesforce is preferred.
• Ability to supervise and mentor employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of development objectives.
• Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment.
• Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Program planning and leadership skills.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• This position requires the ability to travel to different countries with a certain frequency.