Principal Philanthropic Advisor

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

About The Position

James Madison University (JMU) seeks a successful professional to join the Principal Giving team as a Principal Philanthropic Advisor. JMU’s star continues to rise. President Jim Schmidt and university leadership have developed a bold vision for JMU outlined in the Madison Promise Plan. Following the successful Unleashed campaign, which exceeded the stretch goal by 25 percent, we are advancing a next, more ambitious campaign based on the Madison Promise Plan. The Principal Giving team plays a critical role in significantly advancing each of JMU’s strategic priorities and designing financially-significant, transformative opportunities for individuals and families to impact the world through JMU. The Principal Philanthropic Advisor will have a key role in building relationships and securing principal-level gifts for JMU. The successful candidate will have the knowledge and tools to open and close conversations involving outright, deferred, and blended gifts of $1M+. A natural affinity for collaboration with university colleagues and donors to navigate complex conversations is also a key attribute.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising or a field with transferable skills.
Outstanding communication skills, including listening, writing, and speaking, to build trust with both external and internal constituents.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, including sincerity, excellent judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated integrity in managing complex relationships and confidential information.
Proven ability to build and maintain long term stakeholder, client, or partner relationships.
Strong skill in uncovering connections, networks, and interests while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.
Ability to assess risk and a willingness to take calculated risks.
Proven ability to drive performance and execute for results.
Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues for shared wins.
Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team, with high levels of communication.
Ability to relate to a variety of people and build bridges of common understanding in each relationship.
Ability to navigate the complexity of a large institution.
Ability and willingness to travel as necessary and work flexible hours, including some evenings and during weekends, to meet with donors/prospects and execute strategic moves.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or professional credential.
Familiarity with using metrics and analytics to segment, cultivate and grow a pool of relevant prospects.

Responsibilities

Manage and continue to build a portfolio of 50-75 relationships with consistent focus and high-touch engagement, cultivation, and stewardship that lead to successful solicitations.
Proactively engage new high-net-worth donors and, where appropriate, leverage donor peer networks and university leadership to enable successful solicitations.
Meet activity and impact metrics developed in collaboration with the AVP for Principal Giving.
Thoroughly document donor interactions.
Understand JMU’s priorities and then develop, implement, and refine customized strategies to advance each prospect’s meaningful connection to those priorities, leading to principal-level philanthropic investment.
Develop proposals well-informed by strategic plan and university stakeholders that lead to principal-level philanthropic investment.
Close gifts of $1M+ with a donor-centric approach that meets the needs and priorities of JMU.
Close gifts at other levels when appropriate with high net-worth individuals and families who have future potential for principal-level philanthropy.
Communicate clearly and with attention to detail.
Demonstrate an understanding of the nuances of principal giving as a unique type of fundraising and be goal-oriented while balancing the timing and interests of both the donor and JMU.
Collaborate with colleagues at all levels, both within and outside of University Advancement, driven by the strategies developed for each donor or prospect.
Effectively manage up in a clear and timely manner with the AVP and other stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned in carrying out the mission of Principal Giving.