The Associate Vice President for Philanthropic Engagement works collaboratively with key stakeholders to develop, implement, and achieve strategic plans for increasing private support; provides leadership and direction for major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, annual giving, and donor relations.  He/she develops and oversees fundraising activities for the university’s strategic priorities in the Division of Advancement and External Engagement and in conjunction with other units/divisions across the university.  Leads campus units and fundraisers charged with the cultivation and solicitation of gifts and grants.  Manages a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects.  Serves as an advisor to the Vice President on a variety of strategic fundraising initiatives and as a leader of the philanthropic frontline and management team.  Reports to the Vice President for Advancement and External Engagement. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the senior team member under the supervision of the Vice President for Advancement and External Engagement, in advancing strategic goals of the Division of Advancement and External Engagement.

• Supports and advances the Division as a strategic resource in fundraising planning and goal setting for key university constituents.

• Leads the strategic development and implementation of donor-centric major gift fundraising strategies aligned with university initiatives and priorities. 

• Leads and provides direct supervision over the philanthropy team in planning and implementing long-term and short-term strategies to secure gifts from individuals and organizations through annual, major, special campaigns, principal and leadership gifts.

• Advances the strategic process of identification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, and stewardship of leadership gifts in support of strategic capital and programmatic initiatives, as well as major gifts for operating, capital, and endowment purposes.

• Working with the Vice President, establishes measurable goals to increase fundraising results that are both aspirational and achievable.

• Provides leadership in the development and tracking of annual fundraising goals.

• Liaise as a strategic fundraising point of contact for select schools and units.

• Responsible for supporting the entire fundraising group in one or more of the following areas:  staff recruitment, training and development, prospect research and management, and fundraising campaign management. 

• Provides support to the President and key top-level leadership in securing philanthropic support and stewarding benefactors at the highest levels.

• Participates in donor relations activities at various university functions. 

• Provides regular and accurate reports on progress to the Vice President for Advancement and External Engagement.

• Passionate and proactive in learning best practices to strengthen personal performance and philanthropic engagement initiatives.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master degree in higher education administration, non-profit management, business administration or related field.

• Minimum of seven years of comprehensive fund-raising experience, including a successful, consistent track record in major gift fundraising ($100,000+) preferably in an educational environment.

• Ten years’ experience of progressively responsible staff management in a comprehensive fundraising environment.

• Must be able to work non-traditional hours as needed to include evenings or weekends.

• Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, personal computer applications.

• Works independently and as part of team.

• Knowledge of making presentation to high-level administrators.

• Proactive style of leadership that encourages teamwork and interaction.

• Written and interpersonal communication.

• Success in securing and providing stewardship to five, six and seven-figure gifts.

• Experience in working effectively with administrative and volunteer leadership.

• Must be familiar with donor database applications, preferably Raiser’s Edge.