Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: SACSCOC • MSCHE • Student Success Metrics

Capital Campaign

Term from University Administration industry explained for recruiters

A Capital Campaign is a focused, large-scale fundraising effort that universities and colleges use to gather money for specific major projects, like new buildings, research centers, or scholarship funds. Unlike regular fundraising that happens year-round, these are special projects with specific financial goals and usually run for a set time period (often 3-7 years). Think of it like a concentrated fundraising push where the university reaches out to alumni, donors, and other supporters to fund substantial improvements or new initiatives. Other terms that describe this activity include "comprehensive campaign," "major gifts campaign," or "development campaign."

Examples in Resumes

Managed $50M Capital Campaign for new Science Center construction

Led donor relations team during university's Capital Campaign, exceeding goal by 15%

Coordinated communications strategy for Comprehensive Campaign raising $100M

Typical job title: "Campaign Directors"

Also try searching for:

Development Director Campaign Manager Major Gifts Officer Campaign Coordinator Advancement Officer Development Officer Campaign Associate

Where to Find Campaign Directors

Professional Associations

Online Networks

Industry Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you structure a capital campaign from start to finish?

Expected Answer: Should discuss campaign phases including quiet phase, public launch, goal setting, prospect research, donor cultivation, and campaign closure. Should mention timeline planning, volunteer recruitment, and donor stewardship strategies.

Q: How do you handle a situation where a capital campaign is falling behind its goals?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with adjusting strategies, re-engaging major donors, mobilizing volunteer leadership, and possibly extending timelines or revising goals based on realistic assessments.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What strategies do you use to identify and cultivate major gift prospects?

Expected Answer: Should explain donor research methods, relationship building, engagement activities, and how to move donors through the gift pipeline. Should mention alumni database management and wealth screening tools.

Q: How do you maintain donor relationships during a multi-year campaign?

Expected Answer: Should discuss regular communication strategies, progress updates, recognition programs, and stewardship activities that keep donors engaged throughout the campaign period.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between annual giving and a capital campaign?

Expected Answer: Should explain that annual giving is ongoing operational support while capital campaigns are time-limited, focused efforts for specific major projects or initiatives.

Q: What role does donor research play in a capital campaign?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic prospect research methods, understanding donor capacity and interests, and how this information helps in targeting the right donors for campaign support.