Baldwin Wallace University

Center for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement

Assistant Vice President

Philanthropy & Strategic Engagement

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, the Assistant Vice President is responsible for providing strategic direction for Philanthropic Advisors, including major gifts, planned giving and annual giving, and corporate and foundation engagement as well as oversight of day-to-day Center activities. Responsibilities include program management and development, execution of giving strategies and plans, management of team members to ensure high performance, collaboration with program staff, the Board of Trustees, and University leadership to secure leadership funding. The AVP works closely with the Vice President to develop new fundraising opportunities, establish annual goals and develop and implement short- and long-range strategies for securing and stewarding revenue. The Assistant Vice President will provide inspirational leadership to the team to set and reach their goals and effectively support the Vice President in the management of the campaign. Additionally, the individual will work collaboratively and across functional teams in support of this work, and to formalize enhanced stewardship of all donors.

The AVP will collaborate with all University faculty and staff who work with donor prospects to align strategy, message and approach.

Essential Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary relationship manager for assigned portfolio of 50+ current major donors and prospects and actively move the portfolio through the engagement pipeline by developing moves management strategies
• Plans and leads efforts to foster long-term relationships with individuals and strategically targeted corporations and foundations
• Manages and supports the cultivation and solicitation of priority prospects for University leadership, including the Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement and the President, leading the preparation of briefing materials and written requests/proposals
• Serves as a senior member of the Center for Philanthropy & Strategic Engagement
• In collaboration with key partners, creates, communicates, and manages a comprehensive and accountable fundraising process that builds portfolios with the highest qualified prospects, creates effective plans for cultivation and solicitations and sets high performance standards
• Directs Philanthropic Advisors in prospect screening, management and research functions to support the needs of the leadership gift fundraising efforts and assure a vibrant pipeline of prospects
• Represents the University at internal and external events, meetings and projects, as needed, focused on cultivating relationships with key constituents and public officials who are in a position to help the University
• Records fundraising progress via contact reports, cultivation and solicitation updates, correspondence, and other documentation in the Raiser’s Edge database in a timely and effective manner and communicates with Prospect Development and Data Analytics staff regarding information updates to donor or prospect records as appropriate
• Collaborates with University faculty and staff to build prospect relationships, establishing protocol and planning for outreach
• Regularly meets with the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and Director of Prospect Development and Data Analytics regarding prospect assignments, portfolio reviews, cultivation and solicitation strategies, and general fundraising progress
• Strives to meet and exceed goals for quality monthly visits, yearly proposals, and effectively manages a large group of corporate and foundation donors and prospects
• Regularly travels to meet current and potential donors in the region
• Monitors travel budget and expenses
• Builds and maintains an in-depth knowledge of BW, its funding priorities, and giving opportunities in order to articulate a compelling case for support to all constituents
• Collaborates with Alumni Engagement and other University departments and divisions to engage alumni and friends in meaningful ways, and encourage increased levels of involvement and philanthropic support
• Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement as a means of engaging donors and prospects
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with a preference for non-profit volunteer coordination and special event planning strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of advancement and fundraising principles
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated ability to lead and engage groups comprised of diverse individuals with diplomacy, sensitivity, and a spirit of inclusiveness.

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, and a familiarity with relationship management software, preferably Blackbaud’s Raiser's Edge.
• Values a team environment and collaboration
• Strong appreciation for Baldwin Wallace University, its mission and values
• Upholds the Code of Ethical Standards and the Donors Bill of Rights as outlined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
• Strives to maintain a sense of humor.
• Ability to work nights and weekends for events and activities taking place outside of normal business hours
• Some travel required
• Must hold a valid driver’s license

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. No or very limited physical effort required. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Interested professionals please submit cover letter, resume and references by January 31, 2023