Maura E. Donovan is a seasoned advancement and alumni engagement leader with more than two decades of experience building inclusive, high-performing communities across higher education and nonprofit sectors. Her career began here at Syracuse University, where she served as Assistant Director of Development for Athletics. She orchestrated large-scale fundraising events, cultivated donor relationships, and played a pivotal role in planning NCAA and BIG EAST championship tournaments—laying the foundation for her enduring commitment to student-athlete success and institutional engagement.
She continued to deepen her expertise at Ithaca College, where she led regional alumni programs and strategic events that connected thousands of constituents nationwide. As Associate Director of Events and Regional Programs, Maura managed volunteer committees, collaborated across departments, and served on the planning team that helped to break the Division III football attendance record at MetLife Stadium. Her work at Ithaca was marked by a focus on authentic connection, data-informed strategy, and cross-functional leadership—qualities that have defined her approach throughout her career.
At American International College, Maura held dual leadership roles in athletic fundraising and external operations, ultimately serving as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. She spearheaded major gift campaigns, secured corporate sponsorships, and mentored student-athletes, all while contributing to institutional strategic planning. Her tenure at AIC reflected her ability to blend operational excellence with relational stewardship, driving growth in both donor engagement and alumni participation.
Maura holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Concordia University Wisconsin, where her dissertation explored the philanthropic motivations of three generations of women—a study that continues to inform her donor-centered approach. She also earned a Master of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Management from Springfield College. Now, nearly 20 years after her first chapter at Syracuse, Maura returns with renewed purpose and a wealth of experience, ready to champion equity, wellness, and transformational leadership in the next phase of her career.
