Howard University, a historic institution founded in 1867, is a model of educational excellence, particularly for Black students, with a diverse and distinguished body of over 120,000 alumni. Offering over 120 fields of study, the University produces top professionals in medicine, law, communications, and the arts, among others. The University’s commitment to social change, innovation, and cultural diversity fuels its unique role as a transformative force in society and the global community. Excellence, leadership, service, and truth form Howard’s guiding principles, with an unwavering dedication to addressing issues that impact the African Diaspora.

The University’s Howard Forward Strategic Plan underscores its focus on academic excellence, new knowledge, community service, efficiency, and financial sustainability. As the University prepares to launch a new strategic plan, it aims to sustain its transformative impact and foster future-ready leadership across disciplines.

The Opportunity

Howard University is seeking a strategic, relationship-oriented leader to serve as Director of Development, Family Philanthropy.

This is a unique opportunity to engage and inspire high-net-worth families—particularly those with current students—in long-term, values-aligned philanthropic partnerships that advance Howard’s mission and legacy. The Director will design and implement engagement strategies, steward multi-generational giving, and build philanthropic pathways tailored to the passions and priorities of each family.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Individual Giving, the Director will work in close collaboration with development leadership, academic deans, admissions, student affairs, and the Office of the President. With access to institutional leadership and a dynamic network of donors and volunteers, the Director will play a pivotal role in expanding Howard’s donor pipeline and catalyzing major and transformational gifts in support of scholarships, academic programs, and capital projects.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven development leader to shape the future of one of the nation’s most iconic institutions.

The salary range for this role is $135,000 – $155,000.