Virginia Commonwealth University
Director of Development - School of Life Sciences and Sustainability
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Director of Development - School of Life Sciences and Sustainability
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.
The mission of VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders with our institution working in partnership with all VCU schools, programs and campuses as one development and alumni relations community and implementing the best practices and efficient strategies to achieve a comprehensive development program.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), the Director of Development serves as a major gift officer (MGO) supporting the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability (SLSS), including the Rice Rivers Center (RRC), at VCU. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, as well as the dean of CHS, director of the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, director of Rice Rivers Center, Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) colleagues assigned to CHS, and others across DAR to achieve Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) fundraising goals by engaging and soliciting prospects with interests in the strategic needs of the University.
Primary Responsibilities
Build, energize and nurture a community of donors (individual and institutional) with an interest in supporting Rice River Center and Life Sciences within the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU in order to realize contributed (gift) revenue to support operating and strategic objectives
Manage (identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, steward) a portfolio of approximately 90-125 top prospects with a giving capacity of $50,000 or greater; engage in discovery work annually 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 dean, director and faculty participation in fundraising and engagement efforts through strategic planning and thorough organization
Integrate the dean, director, faculty, students, and alumni into development activities where most appropriate and effective
Provide development support to the Rice Rivers Center board
With executive director, dean, academic leaders, and 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 team members across the division, including colleagues 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 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
As a Team Member, You 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 Hiring Standards
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 five, 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 Hiring Standards
Master’s degree and/or 3-5 years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in an academic medical center, healthcare, or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments
Knowledge and interest in environmental issues, conservation, and sustainability efforts
Demonstrated success securing five-, 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
Unit:
Development MBU
Department:
Campus Development
Salary Range:
$90,000-$110,000 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
Contact Name:
Izzy Kane
Contact Email:
irkane@vcu.edu
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Higher Education
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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.
The mission of VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders with our institution working in partnership with all VCU schools, programs and campuses as one development and alumni relations community and implementing the best practices and efficient strategies to achieve a comprehensive development program.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), the Director of Development serves as a major gift officer (MGO) supporting the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability (SLSS), including the Rice Rivers Center (RRC), at VCU. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, as well as the dean of CHS, director of the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, director of Rice Rivers Center, Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) colleagues assigned to CHS, and others across DAR to achieve Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) fundraising goals by engaging and soliciting prospects with interests in the strategic needs of the University.
Primary Responsibilities
Build, energize and nurture a community of donors (individual and institutional) with an interest in supporting Rice River Center and Life Sciences within the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU in order to realize contributed (gift) revenue to support operating and strategic objectives
Manage (identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, steward) a portfolio of approximately 90-125 top prospects with a giving capacity of $50,000 or greater; engage in discovery work annually 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 dean, director and faculty participation in fundraising and engagement efforts through strategic planning and thorough organization
Integrate the dean, director, faculty, students, and alumni into development activities where most appropriate and effective
Provide development support to the Rice Rivers Center board
With executive director, dean, academic leaders, and 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 team members across the division, including colleagues 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 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
As a Team Member, You 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 Hiring Standards
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 five, 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 Hiring Standards
Master’s degree and/or 3-5 years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in an academic medical center, healthcare, or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments
Knowledge and interest in environmental issues, conservation, and sustainability efforts
Demonstrated success securing five-, 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
Unit:
Development MBU
Department:
Campus Development
Salary Range:
$90,000-$110,000 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
Contact Name:
Izzy Kane
Contact Email:
irkane@vcu.edu
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr