About the Position
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
St. John Paul II wrote: “Man’s creation by God ‘in his own image’ confers upon every human person an eminent dignity; it also postulates the fundamental equality of all human beings.” Assumption University recognizes the essential contribution of a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, Assumption University commits itself to maintaining a welcoming environment for all people and to comply with all state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and its educational programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or family medical history, military or veteran status, immigration status, or other legally protected status. Assumption intends this list to be inclusive, not exclusive.
Assumption University rejects and condemns all forms of harassment, discrimination, and disrespect. It has developed procedures to respond to incidents of harassment whatever the basis or circumstance. Assumption University has designated its Associate Vice President for Human Resources/CHRO to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities to prevent discrimination in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI, Section 504 and the ADA. Any applicant for admission or employment, and all students, staff and faculty members are welcome to raise any questions regarding this notice with the Office of Human Resources:
Assumption University, Office for Human Resources
Associate Vice President for Human Resources and CHRO
500 Salisbury Street – Alumni Hall – 109
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone: 508-767-7599
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.
Key Qualifications
- 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
Salary commensurate with experience, starting at $175,000+ including robust benefits, generous paid time off, and relocation assistance.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, Assumption favors diversity, ecumenically welcomes all who share its goals, and strongly encourages applications and expressions of interest from all underrepresented groups.
It is the policy of the University that all employees be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.
Please email your cover letter and resume in confidence to: assumption@developmentguild.com