Development Director, Division of Institution

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

The Director of Development is a key member of the Division of Institutional Advancement and is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing fundraising strategies that advance the mission, priorities, and strategic goals of Virginia Union University. The Director cultivates meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, community partners, and other University stakeholders to secure philanthropic support for institutional priorities. The Director works collaboratively with University leadership, academic and administrative departments, alumni, and other members of the Institutional Advancement team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic prospects. 

Responsibilities

• Operationalize and evaluate comprehensive annual and campaign fundraising strategies to support VUU’s goals and objectives;
• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan including revenue and performance goals, objectives, action plans, and benchmarks for the advancement;
• Develop an annual Development budget within the overall budget;
• Develop robust volunteer leadership program capable of actively supporting VUU’s advancement goals through fundraising, consultation, and advocacy;
• Personally identify, cultivate, and request gifts and pledges within a portfolio of major gift prospects as defined by VUU’s standards through visits and other forms of direct contact;
• Enlist senior leaders in furthering VUU’s advancement programs and educate, orient, and support them in fundraising roles;
• Represent VUU to various external institutional constituents as appropriate;
• Create and maintain systems to ensure that donor instructions are adhered to, documented, and stewarded

Qualifications

• Ability to be a self-starter including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments; evaluating performance; and mentoring and coaching employees to achieve maximum productivity with an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to think creatively;
• Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources;
• Ability to foster a collaborative work environment within a complex organizational structure;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership, faculty, alumni, prospects, donors, and volunteers in a wide range of roles;

• Knowledge of best practices within the fundraising profession, including those relating to deferred giving, annual fund management, direct mail, corporate and foundation relations, and other areas that support major gift fundraising;
• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to advancement activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others;
• Possess community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community; and
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

Experience

Required to have at least five years of successful fundraising experience, including successful campaign, major gifts, and project management records. Administrative and supervisory experience is essential. Familiarity with prospect research and gift management software and services preferred. CFRE certified is a plus. (Frequent Travel Required)

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions
• Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Detail Oriented – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
• Ethical – Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards
• Honesty /Integrity – Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace
• Organized – Possessing the trait of being organized
• Reliability – The trait of being dependable and trustworthy
• Responsible – Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one’s conduct
• Communication, Oral – Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word
• Communication, Written – Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely
• Time Management – Ability to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Working Under Pressure – Ability to compete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
• MS Office (Outlook, Word Excel and PowerPoint) will train on Blackboard database.

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit their resume, four professional references and a cover letter. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background investigation and reference check will be required prior to employment. For any questions or concerns, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu.

Equal Opportunity EmployerVirginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.

For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page.