VP, Advancement & Communications

REINHARDT UNIVERSITY

About The Position

Reinhardt University (www.reinhardt.edu) seeks an experienced, people-oriented, and administratively adept development officer who is also skilled at organizational communication to hold the position of Vice President for University Advancement and Communications. Joining Reinhardt at this time presents an exciting opportunity for a fundraising and community-oriented professional who will assist President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D. in developing a new comprehensive capital campaign to support the mission and the strategic vision for the University. The Vice President for Advancement and Communications is the chief advancement and public relations officer of the University, developing major gifts for the institution and directing public communications. A key member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President provides overall strategy and leadership for the University’s fundraising, stewardship and PR functions and reports outcomes to the President and the Cabinet. The VP for Advancement and Communications oversees the Office of Advancement operations and staff members. It is important for the Chief Advancement and Communications Officer to be visible and participate as an active citizen of the University and in the primary communities surrounding Reinhardt University. The VP must also have an ability to connect with people and professionals working in corporations, public office, not-for-profit organizations, and foundations that support or who can support the University’s mission and vision. This philanthropic executive for the University must be willing to work in a highly collaborative atmosphere where team members work together to accomplish goals and outcomes that benefit the University and its students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.
At least 10 years of experience in development and communications for nonprofit organizations or universities; experience fundraising for a private institution of higher education strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success securing major gifts from institutional and individual donors.
Demonstrated experience and understanding of capital campaign practices; experience directing a successful capital campaign preferred.
Successful track record of working with major donors, board members, and senior staff.
Experience managing a team of development professionals and support staff.
Excellent interpersonal skills; strongly developed verbal and written communication skills; effective presentation skills.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment; ability to problem-solve, prioritize, and meet deadlines under pressure.
Desire to be in the community, attending events and other social gatherings, building personal relationships on behalf of Reinhardt University and with the objective of raising funds to support the University.
Strong understanding of development best practices and emerging trends.
Adept at working within the Microsoft Office suite.
Understanding of donor database systems; experience working within Raiser’s Edge strongly preferred.
Ability to use discretion and good judgement with confidential information.
Ability to work collaboratively with peers across the University.
Encourages creative thinking to significantly increase private gifts to the University.
Positive attitude and professional, donor-facing demeanor.

Responsibilities

Serves as a collaborative member of the President’s Cabinet, assisting with the daily operations of the University and working as a team with fellow VPs.
Sets the overall strategy for the Office of Advancement and establishes a work environment that fosters collaboration, respect, excellence, and outstanding service to university donors and other constituents.
Provides oversight of all Advancement Office activities and operations, including capital campaigns, major and planned giving, annual giving, foundation giving and grant proposals, special events, corporate relations and giving, and alumni relations.
Strategically designs an effective organizational structure for the Advancement Office to maximize philanthropic efforts.
Oversees and manages major University publications, such as the Reinhardt Magazine, Reinhardt University Annual Report, and the weekly Reinhardt University Eagle Newsletter.
Leads crisis communications and oversees press releases.
Provides guidance, via policy and mentorship, to Sports Information Director, Director of the Falany Performing Arts Center and Director of the Funk Heritage Center regarding publications and marketing.
Assesses the Advancement structure and performance as well as individual and collective staff capabilities with the goal of increasing effectiveness and efficiency.
Hires, supervises, and evaluates staff within the Office of Advancements.
Cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, including Trustees and other prospects for high-level gifts and assigns office staff appropriate portfolios.
Coordinates the President’s engagement in fundraising activities for the University; serves as counsel to the President in key donor solicitations.
Provides counsel and leadership to the Advancement and Membership Committees of the Board and supports their fundraising activities.
Works in close relationship with the President to solicit the Board’s annual contributions and actively works to identify new Trustee candidates with capacity to support the University significantly and/or strengthen Reinhardt’s network of supporters.
Oversees all campaign activities; regularly reports campaign progress to the Cabinet and Board of Trustees.
Works closely with team members to oversee the development of community engagement and donors.
Strives to develop and encourage a culture of philanthropy, campus wide.
Provides consultation and guidance regarding fundraising policy and procedures to all department-led fundraising efforts. These include but are not limited to the Director of the Funk Heritage Center, Director of the Falany Performing Arts Center, Vice President for Academic Affairs, School Deans, the Director of and/or Vice President of Athletics.
Ensures consistent and effective use of the organization’s database, Raiser’s Edge, to assist in creating reports and maintaining donor records.
Establishes yearly measurable goals and objectives and related metrics for all department staff for new gift commitments and deferred gifts secured, proposals made, new prospects qualified, and prospect meetings held.
Serves as an ambassador for Reinhardt University in the community; represents the University on external and internal committees and at events as needed.
Works strategically and cooperatively to manage public relations for the University, serving, as necessary, as a liaison to the media and a spokesperson for the University when appropriate.