About the position
University Advancement at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Donor Strategist to join the Principal Gifts team. The University of Virginia has a strong and high-performing advancement community, boasting a large number of talented, effective, and results-oriented professionals. Our community is comprised of a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development. The Senior Donor Strategist will play a critical role in developing and executing high-level philanthropic strategies, ensuring alignment between donor interests and the University's most pressing funding priorities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fundraising, proposal development, and donor strategy, particularly at the principal-gift level ($5M+). Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, faculty, and development colleagues across the institution.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement customized donor engagement strategies that align major philanthropists with the University's highest priorities, with a primary focus on securing principal gifts ($5M+).
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership, development officers, faculty, and other key stakeholders to create and execute solicitation plans that guide donors through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Serve as a lead writer for compelling and persuasive fundraising proposals, letters of agreement/intent, and other key donor-facing materials, ensuring clarity, impact, and alignment with institutional goals.
- Conduct in-depth prospect research and analysis to identify opportunities for engagement and to craft strategic donor approaches.
- Provide expert guidance on philanthropic messaging, ensuring that donor communications reflect the University's vision, priorities, and impact.
- Monitor donor strategy execution, tracking progress, identifying opportunities for deeper engagement, and adjusting approaches as needed.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree (relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree)
- Experience: A minimum of four years, preferably in fundraising, grant writing, proposal development, or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising strategy and the philanthropic landscape in higher education.
- Superior research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, with a proven ability to identify donor interests and develop successful solicitation plans.
- Exceptional writing and storytelling ability, with experience synthesizing complex information into compelling narratives that resonate with donors.
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior leaders, faculty, and development colleagues in a complex institutional setting.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
- High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling confidential donor information.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Nice-to-haves
- Experience crafting philanthropic messaging for high-net-worth donors, drawing on current trends, research, and innovation in higher education.
- Ability and willingness to mentor and train colleagues in proposal writing and donor communications.
- Experience with customer relationship management platforms (e.g., Salesforce) for donor tracking and engagement.
- Familiarity with fundraising research tools (e.g., WealthX) and file-sharing platforms (e.g., SharePoint).
- Experience with, or strong interest in, applying new technologies (e.g., AI) to improve efficiency and quality of work.
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid workplace.
- Access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service.
- Occasional work outside of traditional office hours (evenings and weekends).
- Anticipated hiring range is $90,000 - $110,000 and will be commensurate with education and experience.
