The College Foundation of the University of Virginia, which exists to support the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, is conducting a search for a Senior Director of Development.

The Senior Director of Development is a front-line fundraiser and is part of an experienced fundraising team that generates philanthropic support for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the largest school at the University of Virginia. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development for the Foundation, the Senior Director of Development is charged with the cultivation, solicitation and stewarding of major gift prospects and donors of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

The successful candidate will have at least six years of demonstrated success in fundraising or a related field and have confidence in asking for 6-and-7-figure gifts and pledges. This position works collaboratively with colleagues at the College Foundation and across the University to achieve the College of Arts & Sciences’ annual and long-range fundraising priorities. The position may also involve volunteer management.

Compelling candidates will be distinguished professionals and team players. They must have a strong track record of securing significant commitments at increasing levels and managing complex relationships, ideally within a higher education setting. High personal standards are required, including excellent organizational, written, and oral skills. The successful candidate should enjoy working with people, especially high-profile donors, be goal-oriented, and work well under pressure. Candidates must have the ability to travel. Ability to be an effective coach and mentor for less-experienced gift officers, as needed, is a plus.

Responsibilities

Major Gift Fundraising Activities

• Develop relationships and actively solicit gifts from a portfolio of current and prospective major gift level donors ($100,000+). Manage and create personalized strategies around potential gifts ranging from $100,000 to $1 million+, collaborating with colleagues from other areas of the University where appropriate.
• Conduct at least 144 visits annually in assigned territories. Must manage his/her travel expenses in line with an approved travel budget.
• Actively seek leadership level unrestricted gifts and pledges to the College’s unrestricted annual fund.
• Prepare proposals, stewardship plans, and other correspondence for prospects, collaborating as necessary with the Dean’s office, Donor Relations, faculty/program administrators, College Foundation board members, Associate Vice President of Development and the College Foundation president.
• Motivate and support volunteers for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship calls. This may involve managing a regional board of volunteers.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the College’s campaign fundraising priorities, including academic and extra-curricular programs, and key faculty administrators.
• Serve as Development co-liaison to one academic division (e.g. Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities) and have an in-depth understanding about fundraising initiatives and stewardship needs for that division

Prospect Analysis/Reporting/Monitoring

• Participate in periodic meetings and review reports to monitor prospect stages and movement.
• Develop and monitor relationship-tracking mechanisms for monitoring designated prospect involvement in the University.

Work Qualifications

• Degree required: Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Minimal level of relevant experience: At least 6 years of fundraising experience or a position with similar responsibilities is required. A strong track record of proposing, structuring, documenting, and closing significant gifts, ideally with well-documented success at the 6- and 7-figure+ level is preferred.
• This position requires knowledge of basic computer skills and programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• All candidates must have experience promoting a diverse workforce and inclusive environment.
• Working knowledge of additional software utilized by the development office, such as AdvanceWeb, EverTrue, and Tableau, is a plus.