Associate Vice President, Principal Giving

Quinnipiac University•Hamden, CT

About The Position

Quinnipiac University is seeking an Associate Vice President, Principal Giving to play a central leadership role in building and executing a comprehensive principal gifts strategy. This position is crucial for securing seven- and eight-figure philanthropic investments and will partner closely with university leadership to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational donors. The role involves managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors while strengthening the institutional strategy and infrastructure for principal-level fundraising. The Associate Vice President will foster a disciplined and collaborative approach to principal gift fundraising to support the university's long-term philanthropic growth.

Requirements

10-15 years of progressive experience in advancement, development and fundraising in higher education or non-profit organizations
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to craft messages for various audiences
Ability to successfully recruit, manage, and motivate volunteers
Strong organizational, analytical, and attention to detail skills, with demonstrated ability to assess complex situations and facilitate solutions in a collaborative manner
Exceptional customer service skills
Strong ability to engage volunteers who hold a variety of backgrounds
Strong planning, relationship building, communication and management skills are also required
Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed to support University and Advancement events
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds
Bachelor's degree required

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Design, refine, and implement a comprehensive principal gifts program supporting disciplined identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of seven- and eight-figure gifts.
Partner closely with the Vice President for D&AA and President to advance the university’s highest philanthropic priorities and engage the institution’s most significant donors.
Establish regular principal gift strategy meetings with the President and Vice President to review donor engagement, refine cultivation strategies, and coordinate leadership participation in major gift opportunities.
Manage a portfolio of 30–50 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and family foundations, and collaborate with advancement colleagues to identify and qualify new principal gift prospects.
Foster a culture of strategic relationship management and principal gift fundraising across the advancement division.
Serve as a strategic fundraising partner to Development Officers, deans and academic leaders, translating academic priorities into compelling funding opportunities across schools and colleges.
Lead principal gift strategy sessions with the Vice President for D&AA, President, Provost, and senior leadership, embedding a culture of philanthropy to advance institutional goals.
Provide guidance and mentorship to development officers working with donors capable of principal-level commitments.
Collaborate across advancement teams — major gifts, planned giving, stewardship, and operations, to align efforts and maximize philanthropic impact.
Contribute to campaign strategy development and execution, with a focus on building and advancing the principal gift pipeline.
Design and lead high-impact donor campus experiences integrating student engagement, academic showcases, capital project tours, and leadership interactions to support principal gift cultivation.
Oversee prospect management and stewardship strategy, including milestone events such as groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for major philanthropic investments.
Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop strategic messaging, draft press releases, and shape donor stories that communicate a compelling vision for key initiatives.
Ensure exceptional stewardship practices that strengthen long-term donor relationships and reinforce philanthropic impact.