Description

The Institution
Johns Hopkins University is a leading American research institution based in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1876, it is renowned for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation across disciplines. With a strong global focus, Johns Hopkins has campuses and partnerships around the world, including SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy, and centers in China and other regions, fostering international collaboration and education.

SAIS Europe, the European campus of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), is located in Bologna, Italy. Founded in 1955, it serves as a global hub
for graduate education in international relations, economics, political science, and global policy.

The Bologna campus offers a unique academic experience that combines American-style education with a strong European perspective. It hosts students from all over the world and emphasizes small class sizes, interdisciplinary studies, and close interaction with faculty. Many students spend one year in Bologna and then continue their studies at SAIS in Washington, D.C.

Located in the heart of one of Italy’s oldest university cities, SAIS Europe provides an intellectually vibrant and culturally rich environment. The campus also offers access to a network of prominent scholars, policymakers, and professionals in international affairs.

The Opportunity

SAIS Europe has launched an international search for the next Director of Development and Alumni Relations, based in Bologna, Italy.
Partnering with SAIS Europe leadership, the Director will be a bold and energetic leader for whom advancing philanthropic success is a key priority. The Director will join the university at a pivotal moment and will be an active partner with SAIS senior leaders both in Europe and in the United States, working to design the philanthropic strategic framework that will support the institution for several years to come. As a member of the SAIS Europe leadership team, the Director will be expected to provide meaningful input on the full range of related challenges and opportunities.
Comprehensive knowledge of higher education is highly desired.

SAIS Europe seeks a strategic Director who demonstrates a strong commitment to sustaining a world-class fundraising and engagement enterprise. A data-informed decision-maker, the Director will lead strategic enhancements to the campus’ development infrastructure and processes, positioning the university to respond effectively and efficiently to the evolving nature of philanthropy.

The Director will work to enhance donor pipelines at all levels and deepen the strong philanthropic ties between SAIS Europe and its supporters.

Critical to success will be the Director’s ability to foster productive and collaborative relationships with academic and administrative leaders across campus, as well as with all development-focused partners within the institution’s programs. Such collaborative relationships are critical to realizing the philanthropic potential of SAIS Europe alumni, donors, and friends. To that end, the Director will be a relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to engage a passionate alumni base, deepen connections that inspire philanthropic support, and translate those relationships into meaningful fundraising outcomes.

With several years of leadership experience in best-in-class fundraising operations, the ideal Director will be a proactive self-starter who operates with intentionality and who possesses an extensive track record of co-creating institutional strategies to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. The Director will also have a keen understanding of fundraising best practices and a comprehensive knowledge of all major development and alumni engagement functions, including a depth of campaign experience.
The Director must also be a person of impeccable character and humility with extraordinary communication and negotiation skills, and a high level of agility, diplomacy, and perseverance. With high emotional intelligence, superb relationship-building skills, and the authenticity to create genuine connections, the Director will possess the ability to build bridges with a broad array of constituents across the SAIS Europe community and a deep understanding of, and passion for, the mission and goals of the institution.

The Role

Development

Maintain an active donors’ portfolio of ca. 150 individuals, including top donors (MG level), AG level donors as well as new prospects – primarily in Europe but also in the USA. Average yearly individual fundraising goal $2.5M / average number of visits 90 (over the past 5 years)
Plan and oversee yearly fundraising goals for SAIS Europe, including campaign priorities and objectives, in collaboration with the SAIS Europe Rector (direct reporting line) and SAIS Washington Associate Dean for DAR (dotted reporting line)
Oversee timely progress toward major development goals during the year, including submission of reports, financial data, and JHAS related metrics, donor cultivation, and
stewardship plans
Engage the SAIS Europe leadership with donors, including organizing and staffing individual and group meetings for the SAIS Europe Rector. Support the Rector at events with alumni and
donors
Secure proper exchange of communications with DC and Baltimore and, where possible, include other campus priorities in gift conversations with donors, including working on joint
donors with DC and Baltimore gift officers
Develop a regular communication exchange with faculty and senior staff at SAIS Europe to include priority needs in the yearly fundraising plan. Engage colleagues as appropriate with
donors
Serve as a primary relationship manager with the SAIS Europe Advisory Council, including organizing meetings, develop and disseminate regular communication also on behalf of the
SAIS Europe Rector, develop individualized engagement and stewardship plans, and lead gift conversations/strategies.

Alumni Relations

Plan and oversee yearly goals for the Bologna based Alumni Relations Team
Plan and oversee yearly roster of activities with alumni volunteers, including participating in conversations with chapter leaders, designing signature events, and managing necessary
follow-up
Participate in signature events (5-8 per year) and lead conversations with volunteers to secure adequate engagement
Oversee the SAIS Europe submissions for the monthly SAIS Alumni E-Newsletter as well as media coverage to promote/highlight volunteers’ work. Participate in designing other
communication material directed to alumni also in collaboration with the larger SAIS DAR and Baltimore DAR teams
Secure correct and timely meeting of major goals during the year including submission of reports, events’ financial data and JHAS related metrics, volunteers’ cultivation and
stewardship plans
Secure proper exchange of communications with DC and Baltimore, including events’ plannin and volunteers’ engagement

Secure regular conversations with faculty and senior staff at SAIS Europe to include other priority needs in the yearly plan. Engage colleagues as appropriate with volunteers. Coordinate
with the Bologna and DC team the calendar of events to avoid overlaps
Engage with students during the course of the year in Bologna as they will become our future alumni. Connect them with volunteers and include them in events/activities involving alumni.

Other Responsibilities

Manage a team of four (one full-time gift officer, one part-time gift officer including gift and data processing, and two alumni relations officers). Provide directions and harmonization of
activities within the team and oversee both collective and individual progress towards goals.
Participate actively in Bologna-based conversations and projects with other colleagues and faculty as needed to identify areas of need, acquire a 360° view of the campus’ activities and
priorities to secure maximum engagement of volunteers.
Participate in the fellowship distribution process for first- and second-year Bologna students with relevant colleagues at SAIS Europe, notably Admissions and the Registrar
Collaborate closely with the Office of Finance and Administration to gain a clear understanding of SAIS Europe’s budgetary goals and priorities, ensuring that fundraising strategies are
aligned to effectively support and advance those financial objectives
As the Director of DAR will work very closely with the SAIS Europe Rector, the Director will be one of the key senior staff members – together with the Director of Finance – forming the
Rector’s team. As such, the Director of DAR shall be ready to attend events, participate in projects, give advice, and connect stakeholders as needed (sometimes not necessarily fundraising focused)
Maintain regular contact – through at least two in-person visits per year – with DC and Baltimore based DAR team members as well as other members of the larger team with the
goal to equip the Director of DAR at SAIS Europe with a thorough understanding of the institution and its priorities/needs
Lead and oversee the production of DAR-specific communication with the Bologna-based office of Communication and Marketing and secure fine tuning with broader SAIS DAR and
Baltimore DAR
Participate in the production of SAIS Europe and SAIS broader communication material, including printed, electronic and media products
Oversee the organization and execution of visits from DC and Baltimore leadership to Bologna, in particular DAR, SAIS Dean and University President, staffing meetings as needed

Key Characteristics

Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage the DAR team in Bologna and to collaborate with other staff members at SAIS Europe
Ability to navigate both small as well as large, complex institutions
Candidates should be legally authorized to live and work in the EU
Italian language skills are preferred, with an additional advantage having the ability to speak
one or two additional European languages given the alumni footprint of the institution
The ability to understand and respect cultural differences across Europe and the USA, with the ability to “translate” cultural diversity and adapt communication and fundraising strategies
accordingly
Comfortable with business travel responsibilities
Ability to lead and inspire a high-performing team to achieve organizational goals
Ability to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability

How to Apply

Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward, Senior Client Partner, at the executive search firm Korn Ferry. Applicants should submit the following two documents (in two separate PDFs):
An up-to-date and detailed resume or curriculum vitae.
A brief (2-4 pages) letter of interest describing why you are interested in the role, why you would be successful based on your professional experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity.

Candidates should be legally authorized to live and work in the EU and willing to relocate to Bologna.

The Director will take up the position in Fall 2025.

For priority con