Executive Director of University Advancement
About The Position
The Executive Director of Advancement is a proactive, externally focused leader responsible for setting the philanthropic vision and strategy for Regis University’s advancement division. Reporting directly to the President, the role translates mission-driven values and institutional priorities into prioritized plans and performance measures that drive fundraising productivity. More than 50% of the position’s time is dedicated to frontline fundraising. The Executive Director personally manages a portfolio of 40–50 principal and major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations capable of six- and seven-figure gifts. In partnership with the President, Senior Leadership Team, and campus departments, the Executive Director cultivates donor relationships, develops funding opportunities, and secures annual philanthropic revenue supporting the university’s strategic plan. The role also oversees frontline fundraising, Advancement Operations, Alumni Engagement, and Annual Giving. It develops team performance and accountability, guides the advancement technology and data strategy, and ensures effective gift processing, stewardship, data integrity, and financial compliance. The position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, is based in normal office working conditions, and requires up to 40% travel.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 8–10 or more years of progressively responsible fundraising experience in higher education or a complex nonprofit environment.
- Proven record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
- At least 4 years of experience managing multidisciplinary teams spanning frontline fundraising, operations, and engagement, with an emphasis on metrics and accountability.
- Exceptional ability to translate a high-level vision into explicit, prioritized, and trackable action plans.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with campus departments such as Athletics, Academic Deans, Student Affairs, and Finance to align fundraising with institutional needs.
- Deep appreciation for and ability to articulate Jesuit education, social justice, and institutional values.
- Experience overseeing a technology roadmap that translates software capabilities into measurable fundraising impact.
- Ability to travel up to 40%.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Set the philanthropic vision for the advancement division and turn it into prioritized strategies and annual action plans.
- Personally manage a portfolio of 40–50 principal and major gift prospects, cultivating relationships and securing major commitments.
- Spend more than 50% of work time on frontline fundraising and conduct at least 50 donor moves or meetings annually.
- Partner with and advise the President and Senior Leadership Team on fundraising; staff donor visits, prepare strategic briefings, and coordinate cultivation events.
- Develop compelling, values-aligned funding opportunities connected to university priorities.
- Establish and manage performance evaluation processes focused on fundraising productivity, accountability, and professional growth.
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate major gift officers, setting clear metrics for donor visits, proposals, and raised dollars.
- Oversee the advancement technology, database, and software roadmap to measure and maximize philanthropic impact.
- Guide Advancement Operations in using data analytics, predictive modeling, and CRM technologies to identify donor pools and track campaign progress.
- Ensure data integrity, timely gift processing, donor stewardship, and compliance with institutional and federal financial regulations.
- Oversee Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving so that their data, programming, and events support the major gifts pipeline.
- Develop lifecycle stewardship that moves alumni, parents, and friends from broad engagement toward leadership-level financial support.
- Ensure annual fundraising goals are met, including targets for operating and unrestricted current-use funding, restructured funding, and planned giving or estate commitments.
- Monitor fundraising productivity, gift closure rates, proposal volume, donor retention, pipeline conversion, presidential donor engagement, CRM adoption, and financial reporting coordination.
- Coordinate with Financial Affairs on gift agreements, restricted-fund use, gift classification, and fundraising reports.
Benefits
- Comprehensive group health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tuition benefit for employees, spouses, and dependents.
- Paid Mission leave for service or personal reflection.
- Gift of Time closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Flexible work arrangement options based on position.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
