Virginia Commonwealth University
Senior/Director of Development for the School of Business
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Senior/Director of Development for the School of Business
VCU is a public research university unlike any other. We’re dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients, and our passionate community isn’t afraid to tackle difficult challenges others can’t or won’t. We’re home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities.
Benefits All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
Duties & Responsibilities Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for the School of Business, the Senior/Director of Development works directly with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) colleagues to achieve Virginia Commonwealth University’s fundraising and engagement goals by engaging, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects with a philanthropic interest in the strategic needs of the University. The School of Business Development team has the unique opportunity to make the final determination of duties, working title and salary based on knowledge, skills and experience of the candidate pool. Candidates with varying levels of experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered equally.
Incumbents Hired As Director Of Development Will
Manage (identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, steward) a portfolio of approximately 90‑125 of the unit’s top prospects with a giving capacity of $50,000 or greater; engage in discovery work annually on an additional pool of 20‑30 prospects to determine interest in VCU priorities
Solicit gifts at the major gifts level (at or above $50K) through personal appointments, calls and correspondence in order to obtain and/or increase donor contributions
Maximize the dean’s participation in fundraising and engagement efforts through strategic planning and thorough organization
Integrate the dean, faculty, students, and alumni into development activities where most appropriate and effective
With executive director, dean, academic leaders, SAVP, and other DAR leadership and colleagues, devise short and long‑term donor‑centric strategies and develop plans for advancing each prospect’s meaningful passions to the university
Collaborate and coordinate with colleagues across the university and on central teams (including planned giving, CFR, principal gifts, and university development) to develop donor‑centric strategies to leverage and maximize giving and engagement; engage with colleagues for joint cultivation/solicitation/stewardship efforts when needed
Prepare briefing documents for VCU and DAR leadership for functions in which they are in attendance
Ensure accurate documentation of all donor activity and major gift solicitation plans in the university’s prospect management system (RADAR)
Coordinate with alumni relations and the strategic marketing and engagement team to ensure coordination of information to stakeholders and friends
Develop, support, and evaluate campaign volunteer opportunities; collaborate with central partners on recruitment and training of those volunteers
Audit internal operations in order to develop standardized procedures in keeping with university policies
Provide guidance and assist with stewardship events and correspondence in coordination with the University’s Office of Donor Relations
Coordinate with central teams on the composing, editing, and publishing of fundraising reports
Manage time and activities to support annually‑established metrics on prospect/donor engagement and fundraising efficacy
Incumbents hired as Senior Director of Development will be responsible for all of the above, and also:
Manage a portfolio of approximately 100‑125 major, principal, and planned giving prospects
Supervise one or more direct reports
Collaborate with DAR Corporate Relations to further establish and lead the emerging corporate giving activities within the School of Business
As a Team Member, This Role Will
Demonstrate appreciation for the mission and aspirations of VCU and VCU Health
Display a strong commitment to organizational success and delivering on individual responsibilities as a university citizen
Demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of excellence, high achievement and ongoing professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge
Establish, cultivate and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners
Demonstrate a commitment to the highest quality service to internal and external communities
Demonstrate an open‑minded approach to understanding people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, perspectives and experiences
Ensure work is completed accurately and within deadline. Set high standards, exhibit a positive attitude, maintain strict confidentiality, and show exemplary work ethic
Reflect DAR’s and VCU’s core purpose and values
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Previous professional experience working in customer service, fundraising, or sales environments working directly with people for engagement and soliciting six and seven‑figure financial commitments
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
An outgoing and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style
Strong written, oral, and data‑analysis skills
Familiarity with technology, software, and digital tools to communicate and engage with others
Ability to work and navigate within a complex organization and diverse constituencies
Willingness to learn, collaborate, and grow within a high performing fundraising team
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in related field
Three or more years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in an academic medical center, healthcare, or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments
Demonstrated success securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts
Demonstrated ability to execute objectives and goals aligned to the mission of a complex, urban university and the ability to persuasively represent its goals to multiple constituents
Ability to plan and execute travel for donor visits that may include overnight trips
CFRE certification
A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.
Unit: Development MBU
Department: Campus Development
Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 commensurate with experience
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Hours per week: 40
Restricted Position: No
ORP Eligible: Yes
Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H‑IB visa status, etc.): No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid; Must be within commuting distance to Richmond, VA and available to come into the office at least 2‑3 days per week.
Contact Information: Izzy Kane (irkane@vcu.edu)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Benefits All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
Duties & Responsibilities Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for the School of Business, the Senior/Director of Development works directly with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) colleagues to achieve Virginia Commonwealth University’s fundraising and engagement goals by engaging, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects with a philanthropic interest in the strategic needs of the University. The School of Business Development team has the unique opportunity to make the final determination of duties, working title and salary based on knowledge, skills and experience of the candidate pool. Candidates with varying levels of experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered equally.
Incumbents Hired As Director Of Development Will
Manage (identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, steward) a portfolio of approximately 90‑125 of the unit’s top prospects with a giving capacity of $50,000 or greater; engage in discovery work annually on an additional pool of 20‑30 prospects to determine interest in VCU priorities
Solicit gifts at the major gifts level (at or above $50K) through personal appointments, calls and correspondence in order to obtain and/or increase donor contributions
Maximize the dean’s participation in fundraising and engagement efforts through strategic planning and thorough organization
Integrate the dean, faculty, students, and alumni into development activities where most appropriate and effective
With executive director, dean, academic leaders, SAVP, and other DAR leadership and colleagues, devise short and long‑term donor‑centric strategies and develop plans for advancing each prospect’s meaningful passions to the university
Collaborate and coordinate with colleagues across the university and on central teams (including planned giving, CFR, principal gifts, and university development) to develop donor‑centric strategies to leverage and maximize giving and engagement; engage with colleagues for joint cultivation/solicitation/stewardship efforts when needed
Prepare briefing documents for VCU and DAR leadership for functions in which they are in attendance
Ensure accurate documentation of all donor activity and major gift solicitation plans in the university’s prospect management system (RADAR)
Coordinate with alumni relations and the strategic marketing and engagement team to ensure coordination of information to stakeholders and friends
Develop, support, and evaluate campaign volunteer opportunities; collaborate with central partners on recruitment and training of those volunteers
Audit internal operations in order to develop standardized procedures in keeping with university policies
Provide guidance and assist with stewardship events and correspondence in coordination with the University’s Office of Donor Relations
Coordinate with central teams on the composing, editing, and publishing of fundraising reports
Manage time and activities to support annually‑established metrics on prospect/donor engagement and fundraising efficacy
Incumbents hired as Senior Director of Development will be responsible for all of the above, and also:
Manage a portfolio of approximately 100‑125 major, principal, and planned giving prospects
Supervise one or more direct reports
Collaborate with DAR Corporate Relations to further establish and lead the emerging corporate giving activities within the School of Business
As a Team Member, This Role Will
Demonstrate appreciation for the mission and aspirations of VCU and VCU Health
Display a strong commitment to organizational success and delivering on individual responsibilities as a university citizen
Demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of excellence, high achievement and ongoing professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge
Establish, cultivate and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners
Demonstrate a commitment to the highest quality service to internal and external communities
Demonstrate an open‑minded approach to understanding people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, perspectives and experiences
Ensure work is completed accurately and within deadline. Set high standards, exhibit a positive attitude, maintain strict confidentiality, and show exemplary work ethic
Reflect DAR’s and VCU’s core purpose and values
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Previous professional experience working in customer service, fundraising, or sales environments working directly with people for engagement and soliciting six and seven‑figure financial commitments
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
An outgoing and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style
Strong written, oral, and data‑analysis skills
Familiarity with technology, software, and digital tools to communicate and engage with others
Ability to work and navigate within a complex organization and diverse constituencies
Willingness to learn, collaborate, and grow within a high performing fundraising team
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in related field
Three or more years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in an academic medical center, healthcare, or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments
Demonstrated success securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts
Demonstrated ability to execute objectives and goals aligned to the mission of a complex, urban university and the ability to persuasively represent its goals to multiple constituents
Ability to plan and execute travel for donor visits that may include overnight trips
CFRE certification
A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.
Unit: Development MBU
Department: Campus Development
Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 commensurate with experience
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Hours per week: 40
Restricted Position: No
ORP Eligible: Yes
Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H‑IB visa status, etc.): No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid; Must be within commuting distance to Richmond, VA and available to come into the office at least 2‑3 days per week.
Contact Information: Izzy Kane (irkane@vcu.edu)
#J-18808-Ljbffr