Vice President for Principal Giving

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

·         A minimum of ten years of professional fundraising experience and at least seven years of management experience, preferably within a private research university setting.  

·         Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding seven- and eight-figure gifts and the ability to inspire high-net-worth individuals to provide significant philanthropic support to an institution.

·         Demonstrated experience strategically contributing to and guiding comprehensive campaigns, ideally from inception to successful close and post-campaign analysis.

·         The ability to influence without authority, navigate complex organizations, exercise executive presence and political acumen, translate academic priorities into philanthropic opportunities, and lead strategic change.

·         Professional credibility, intellectual depth, maturity, and collaborative skills to garner the trust and confidence of the President, Provost, deans, board members, faculty, and volunteer leaders.

·         The ability to lead, mentor, and motivate staff, and to encourage growth and change in both people and programs. A strong commitment to personal and professional development, and the ability to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

·         Exemplary interpersonal communication skills; active, engaged listener; superior written and oral communication skills; clarity, crispness, and elegance in writing and speaking. The ability to succinctly articulate a vision and processes to key constituents, utilizing data and metrics as appropriate.

·         The desire and ability to build bridges and strong collaborative relationships with all members of an operation.

·         A sharp eye for operational efficiency and the best use of resources.

·         The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and with confidence and discretion.

·         Impeccable attention to detail; superb follow-through; strong personal integrity, charisma, and work ethic coupled with a sense of humor and perspective.

·         The personal flexibility to travel and work evenings or weekends as required.

·         Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.