Job Title:

Associate Vice President, Philanthropy

Physical Location:

Kent, OH

Salary:

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE

Basic Function:

Direct, develop and oversee fundraising activities for university strategic priorities in the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (DPAE) and in conjunction with other units/divisions across the university. Lead college, campus, unit and general fundraisers charged with the cultivation and solicitation of gifts and grants in excess of $10,000. Manage a small portfolio of major gift prospects ($250,000+). Serve as an advisor to the Vice President on a variety of strategic fundraising initiatives and as a leader of the major gift fundraising management team. Reports to the Vice President, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

 

 

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Provide direct supervision and leadership for assistant vice presidents overseeing philanthropic advisors/major gift fundraisers and foundation and corporate relations officers in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors for outright gifts, planned gifts and grants.

Liaise as a strategic fundraising point of contact for colleges, campuses and units.

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

Support and advance the DPAE as a strategic resource in fundraising planning and goal setting for key university constituents.

Communicate the status of fundraising activity to the Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, and relevant board, college, campus and department leadership; disseminate reports.

Provide leadership in development and tracking of annual fundraising goals.

Collaborate with divisional leadership in developing coordinated engagement, solicitation and stewardship strategies.

Direct the strategy for the staff who conduct principal gift research and assist with the development of customized funding proposals for donors with the capacity of making philanthropic commitments in excess of $1 million.

Plan, monitor, and maintain unit budget and approve operating expenses.

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.

Serve on various college, campus, division, and university committees.

Serve as a major gift philanthropic advisor/fundraiser for the university as needed.

Participate in donor relations activities at various university functions.

Perform related duties as assigned.

 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in relevant field; ten years' experience of progressively responsible staff management in a comprehensive fundraising environment. Must be able to occasionally work evenings or weekends.

License/Certification:

 

Knowledge Of:

Strategic planning; budgeting; personal computer applications
Complex issues facing higher education
Major gift fundraising strategies

Skill In:

Written and interpersonal communication
Managing and coaching staff; proactive style of leadership that encourages teamwork and interaction
Collaboration with diverse group of constituents
Organizing information and projects
Desktop computing and database applications
Making presentations to high level administrators

Ability To:

Provide leadership and direction
Think strategically
Work independently and as part of a team
Interact effectively with a wide variety of constituents
Establish and cultivate lasting relationships

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Master's degree in higher education administration, non-profit management, business administration or related field. Familiarity with major gift fundraising best practices and the case for fundraising support with Kent State University.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

 

 

Working Schedule:

 Non-traditional hours as needed - to include nights/weekends.

Additional Information:

 

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr. 

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.