Senior Director of Development

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

1d•$110,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

VCU is a public research university dedicated to serving students and patients, tackling difficult challenges, and fostering creativity, teaching, discovery, and healing. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) aims to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders and implementing best practices for a comprehensive development program. This role reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development for Colleges, Schools, and Units and serves as the Lead Development Officer (LDO) for an assigned school, working with the dean and DAR colleagues to achieve fundraising goals through strategic planning. This is a pooled posting for two positions: Senior Director of Development for the School of Social Work and Senior Director of Development for the School of Education. Applicants must identify their role interest in their cover letter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Significant professional experience fundraising in an academic medical center or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a diverse population, or a commitment to do so
Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, secure and steward six- and seven-figure gifts through individual effort
Sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills and professional credibility
Emotional intelligence, empathy and ability to relate to individuals impacted by health experiences
Highest ethical standards, attention to confidentiality and a willingness to fully comply with VCU’s interpretation of HIPAA law as it relates to fundraising
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and consistently achieve goals while also driving and supporting team success in a matrix environment
High level of initiative, strong orientation to teamwork and the ability to work effectively in complex environments
Attention to detail and ability to use a database to maintain and review records and reports
Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving
Ability to travel via car and/or an airplane (overnight and long-distance travel will be necessary)
Excellent written and oral communication skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree
Seven years or more of demonstrated success identifying, qualifying and soliciting major gift prospects, preferably in higher education and/or health care, and working with faculty partners
Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in major and planned giving concepts and strategies, and significant experience in creating and implementing major gift plans (campaign experience strongly preferred)
Strong management capabilities
Deep appreciation for the mission and aspirations of VCU and VCU Health and a desire to play a meaningful role in the life of VCU and in the Richmond community
Collaboration skills consistent with bringing out the best in a matrix team, instilling pride in a team effort
Personal commitment to the fundraising industry as evidenced through work ethic and aspiration to best practices

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 60 top prospects with a giving capacity of $50,000 or greater, including discovery work to determine interest in VCU’s priorities.
Solicit gifts at the major gifts level ($50K or above) through personal appointments, calls, and correspondence.
Maximize the dean’s participation in fundraising and engagement efforts through strategic planning and organization.
Define and design the school’s philanthropic priorities in partnership with the dean, academic leaders, and AVP; collaborate with the marketing team on campaign documents and cases for support.
Integrate the dean, faculty, students, and alumni into development activities.
Devise short and long-term donor-centric strategies and develop plans for advancing prospect passions with the dean, academic leaders, AVP, and other DAR leadership.
Collaborate and coordinate with other school operations and central teams (planned giving, CFR, principal gifts, university development) to develop donor-centric strategies and leverage giving.
Develop the annual school-focused operating plan and design/measure annual and long-range fundraising plans tied to the school’s strategic needs.
Prepare briefing documents for VCU and DAR leadership for school functions.
Ensure accurate documentation of all donor activity and major gift solicitation plans in the university’s prospect management system (RADAR).
Supervise, direct, motivate, and evaluate fundraising and development support staff assigned to the school.
Coordinate with alumni relations and the strategic marketing and engagement team for stakeholder communication.
Develop, support, and evaluate campaign volunteer opportunities within the school and collaborate with central partners on recruitment and training.
Audit internal operations to develop standardized procedures in keeping with university policies.
Provide guidance and assist with stewardship events and correspondence.
Coordinate with central teams on composing, editing, and publishing fundraising reports.
Manage time and activities to support annually-established metrics on prospect/donor engagement and fundraising efficacy.