About Assumption University:

Assumption University is a comprehensive, private Catholic liberal arts institution with 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption. We awaken in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Our curricular and co-curricular programs provide students with an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. We are a diverse community that welcomes different points of view and embraces all who share our mission. Enlivened by the Catholic affirmation of the harmony of faith and reason and by the pursuit of the truth in the company of friends, an Assumption education transforms the minds and hearts of students.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. Assumption favors diversity, ecumenically welcomes all who share its goals, and strongly encourages people of color and others from underrepresented groups to apply.

The University is in Worcester, Massachusetts, New England's second largest city that "combines the warmth of a small town with the convenience of a thriving city."

Job Description:

The University seeks an experienced, innovative, mission-driven, and strategic professional with an established fundraising track record to lead the University's Advancement Program. The Vice President for University Advancement is a senior-level administrator reporting directly to the President and is an active participant on the President's leadership team.

The new Vice President will bring bold thinking that inspires constituents, an authentic commitment to the mission, and genuine enthusiasm for identifying and engaging new supporters for the University. They will create a sustainable fundraising program to significantly increase philanthropic support at all giving levels through engagement with key stakeholders, collaboration with internal and external community members, and a focus on engagement opportunities that will support the priorities identified in the recently approved Strategic Plan, Ever Ancient, Ever New: Refounding Assumption. The Vice President for University Advancement will carry forward the vision embodied in the Strategic Plan by inspiring and motivating alumni, parents, friends, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community members to invest in the future of the University. Salary commensurate with experience, starting at $175,000+ including robust benefits, generous paid time off, and relocation assistance.

Key Responsibilities:

The Vice President for University Advancement is responsible for providing leadership and building a development program reflective of Assumption's new status as a University. The Vice President will provide day-to-day management of a department that includes major gifts and planned giving, development, alumni relations, and advancement services, and will bring best practices to the role to help ensure that the University has a best-in-class Advancement team that will identify, engage, and inspire donors at all levels.

This senior leader will set ambitious, clear, and achievable goals, and inspire the staff to meet and exceed expectations. Active in the University and surrounding community, the Vice President personally participates in the identification, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts.

Fundraising

• Oversee all Advancement activities to meet and exceed annual and campaign goals and increase alumni participation rates;
• Provide guidance and creative ideas around volunteer leadership, especially as it relates to strategies for broadening the base of support and engaging new prospects;
• Partner with the University President and Board of Trustees to effectively engage donors and prospects;
• Personally manage a targeted portfolio of prominent donors and prospects;
• Represent the University through personal interactions and group functions with alumni, parents, and friends while promoting an institutional culture of philanthropy;
• Ensure the effective, useful, and thoughtful building of technology, systems, processes, and measurements to monitor, project, and guide fundraising results and activity;
• Evaluate advancement program areas to be sure that industry standards and best practices are met; institute change as needed.

Leadership

• Play a key leadership role as a member of the University Cabinet;
• Engage in the school-wide activities and be a visible and energized member of the Assumption community;
• Lead and inspire the Advancement team of 10, with 4 direct reports;
• Develop a system of metrics and strategies for measuring progress toward goals and evaluating overall performance;
• Direct and evaluate all donor stewardship activities to ensure donors are appropriately recognized and informed of their philanthropic impact;
• Coach each team to build effective strategies, achieve team and individual goals, engage donors, develop best practices, and strengthen the pipeline of future donors;
• Applicants must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University.

Requirements:

• Must be vaccinated and boostered for COVID-19;
• Seasoned professional with direct fundraising leadership experience in an equivalent role, preferably in higher education, within a complex fundraising structure;
• Superior leadership and communication skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to the value of Catholic higher education, the liberal arts, and the opportunities the mission provides for fundraising and the cultivation of donors;
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and multiple responsibilities and projects with a collegial, team-building approach;
• A thorough understanding of best practices strategies in advancement services and fundraising, with demonstrated success with annual funds, major gifts, alumni relations, estate and planned gifts, and corporate and foundation fundraising;
• Experience collaborating with Deans in developing fundraising goals and initiatives in support of the priorities of each school at the University;
• Experience collaborating with the Athletic Department and staff in raising funds to support the athletic program and facility improvements;
• An understanding of the importance of technology for fundraising and leveraging social media in the engagement of alumni to support the University;
• A record of identifying new donor prospects, cultivating the alumni base, and increasing the alumni participation rate, especially among younger alumni;
• An in-depth understanding of budgets and financial records associated with a comprehensive advancement program;
• The ability and confidence to develop and cultivate relationships with established and prospective donors, including the solicitation of 7-figure gifts;
• A demonstrated track-record in planning and executing successful fundraising activities and campaign management, including goal setting, implementation of strategies, and identification of new donors;
• The willingness and ability to travel as needed;
• Master's degree preferred.

Additional Information:

It is the policy of Assumption University that all employees be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by AU, to be verified after an offer of employment has been made, and as part of the background check process. Prospective employees may submit a request for exemption based on a religious and/or medical basis, to Human Resources, after an offer of employment has been made.

Assumption University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

A choice of 5 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options

• A 403(b), with up to a 9% employer match
• Life insurance up to 2x the annual salary
• Long-term disability coverage
• Short-term disability coverage
• Parental Leave coverage
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Vacation days accrued per year
• Sick days accrued per year
• Personal days per year
• Paid holidays
• Remote Work Policy for those positions that support it
• Christmas Break week in between Christmas and New Years off with pay
• Easter Break off with pay
• "Thank you Fridays" off with pay in June and July
• Tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Please email your cover letter and resume in confidence to: assumption@developmentguild.com