Development Director, Division of Institution

Virginia Union University • Richmond, VA

1d

About The Position

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence. The Director of Development is a key member of the Division of Institutional Advancement and is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing fundraising strategies that advance the mission, priorities, and strategic goals of Virginia Union University. The Director cultivates meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, community partners, and other University stakeholders to secure philanthropic support for institutional priorities. The Director works collaboratively with University leadership, academic and administrative departments, alumni, and other members of the Institutional Advancement team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic prospects.

Requirements

• Ability to be a self-starter including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments; evaluating performance; and mentoring and coaching employees to achieve maximum productivity with an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to think creatively
• Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources
• Ability to foster a collaborative work environment within a complex organizational structure
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership, faculty, alumni, prospects, donors, and volunteers in a wide range of roles
• Knowledge of best practices within the fundraising profession, including those relating to deferred giving, annual fund management, direct mail, corporate and foundation relations, and other areas that support major gift fundraising
• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to advancement activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others
• Possess community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups
• At least five years of successful fundraising experience, including successful campaign, major gifts, and project management records
• Administrative and supervisory experience is essential
• Frequent Travel Required

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with prospect research and gift management software and services preferred
• CFRE certified is a plus

Responsibilities

• Operationalize and evaluate comprehensive annual and campaign fundraising strategies to support VUU’s goals and objectives
• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan including revenue and performance goals, objectives, action plans, and benchmarks for the advancement
• Develop an annual Development budget within the overall budget
• Develop robust volunteer leadership program capable of actively supporting VUU’s advancement goals through fundraising, consultation, and advocacy
• Personally identify, cultivate, and request gifts and pledges within a portfolio of major gift prospects as defined by VUU’s standards through visits and other forms of direct contact
• Enlist senior leaders in furthering VUU’s advancement programs and educate, orient, and support them in fundraising roles
• Represent VUU to various external institutional constituents as appropriate
• Create and maintain systems to ensure that donor instructions are adhered to, documented, and stewarded

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed