College’s New Development Director Brings Experience and Enthusiasm to Role

Wherever she’s worked, Gail Mansfield has successfully raised millions of dollars. Now Mansfield is bringing this fundraising prowess to her new role as director of development for Northeastern University’s College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS).

Mansfield arrived at CCIS in March after eight years at Philips Academy in Andover, where she served most recently as the independent school’s director of major gifts and annual giving and was instrumental in its $34 million capital campaign. Earlier in her career, Mansfield gained higher education development experience at Emmanuel College, Suffolk University, and the Boston Architectural College. The veteran fundraiser, who holds a BS in education from Suffolk University, has also served as the director of annual giving for the Schepens Eye Research Institute and director of development and public relations for the Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“With over three decades in fundraising and alumni relations, I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’m seasoned. Now, it’s a matter of bringing what I’ve learned to CCIS and implementing it here,” says Mansfield, who is new to computer and information science but excited to become involved in what she describes as being on the “cutting edge of computing education and technology.”

To start, Mansfield is working with CCIS Dean Carla Brodley to define fundraising priorities; build and strengthen internal and external relationships; engage alumni, parents, and corporate and foundation partners; and secure philanthropic support.

“Addressing the need for diversity in our classrooms and in the technology industry is one of the dean’s high-priority initiatives, and one I equally embrace,” says Mansfield, noting that she will also focus on raising funds for the college’s programs, faculty, and students in collaboration with colleagues in Northeastern’s central development office.
Mansfield plans to build on what she considers a strong launching point. She explains, “The college has an emerging development program and is in a nascent stage in terms of individual alumni giving. The challenge is how to reconnect with our alumni, keep them engaged in meaningful ways, and develop their affinity.”

The demographics of the college present an additional challenge. Mansfield notes, “We have many young graduates, some at the beginning stages of their careers. There isn’t a lengthy tradition of philanthropy here as there are in older colleges. We’ve had some transformative gifts, but we need to educate our constituents about the need for support, align this with their interests, and create avenues for them to provide that support.”

Those who venture into philanthropy will find a sound steward in Mansfield. As she says, “I look forward to meeting the CCIS community and encouraging investment in our mission to make a positive impact on our current and future students.”

– As seen in the March 2015 E-Newsletter –