Associate Director, Development

The Advancement Department at INSEAD drives alumni engagement and fundraising endeavors, redefining the traditional scope within the dynamic landscape of higher education. Our pursuit involves forging strategic partnerships that expand resource access, while spotlighting impact-driven philanthropy that emphasizes our institution's societal contributions. At the core of shaping our future, the Advancement Department ensures sustainability, relevance, and impactful community service.

INSEAD is seeking an Associate Director, Development to join our Advancement Department. This is a full-time, permanent contract position based at our Asia Campus in Singapore. A hybrid working model is in place - 3 days on campus, 2 days from home.

About the job

Reporting to the Senior Director Development, you will, as a frontline fundraiser, secure philanthropic contributions ranging from 50K to 1M. This includes direct revenue generation and closing major gifts within that range. You will be responsible for ownership and advancement of a strong Asia/China-focused portfolio of high-potential prospects.

To achieve this, you will be expected to advance top prospects in Asia and perform strategic qualification of the pipeline with a special emphasis on China. This will require international travel and frequent in-market engagement to build and deepen donor relationships. You will also recognise the importance of understanding donors interests, passions, and motivations to ensure alignment with INSEAD's missions and goals.

In addition, you will also be responsible for achieving annual fundraising goals by creating solicitation strategies, ensuring sustained revenue growth through pipeline development, and supporting alumni readiness for significant philanthropic engagement aligned with INSEAD's campus, research, and scholarship ambitions. You will leverage the INSEAD network of volunteers, National Alumni Associations (NAAs) and leadership to achieve these goals.

Your role within the team

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of major donors, with a strong emphasis on China-based and Chinese-speaking prospects.
• Meet defined fundraising targets and objectives in collaboration with global Advancement colleagues.
• Enter all plans, activity and contacts into the institutional CRM system.
• Manage the full philanthropic cycle of major gift prospects, ensuring consistent pipeline movement.
• Prepare tailored solicitation plans, proposals and culturally attuned engagement strategies.
• Produce comprehensive briefing notes for donor and prospect meetings.
• Collaborate closely with a global team of fundraising professionals, school leadership and senior volunteers to deliver an integrated approach across Asian markets.
• Represent INSEAD at fundraising-related events and donor engagement activities in Singapore, China, and the wider region.
• Champion philanthropic storytelling that resonates with Asian and Chinese cultural values and motivations.
  

The ideal candidate profile

• Bachelor's degree in a related field. Advanced training in philanthropy, non-profit management or related fields an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of major gifts fundraising or high-level stakeholder relationship management experience, ideally within an educational or mission-driven institution.
• Demonstrated success closing gifts of 50K+ (or equivalent complex deal-making in commercial or non-profit settings).
• Proven track record engaging donors and senior executives across Asia China market experience required.
• Strong storytelling ability to articulate INSEAD's mission and translate it into compelling philanthropic cases.
• Excellent CRM and data-driven strategy skills.
• Capacity to manage a geographically dispersed portfolio with frequent travel.
• Sensitivity to cultural nuances, especially within Chinese and broader Asian relationship-building traditions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Confidence engaging senior business leaders, philanthropists and high-net-worth individuals.
• Ability to craft compelling narratives with limited preparation.
• Collaborate closely with team members to find innovative ways to exceed customer expectations.