Assistant Vice President, Advancement

Job Summary

The Assistant Vice President, Advancement provides strategic direction, leadership, and guidance for Development and Stewardship. Provides operational oversight of all FGCU Foundation fundraising activities and initiatives. Responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of comprehensive marketing and solicitation initiatives aimed at growing, diversifying, and sustaining fundraising revenues. Manages a team of professional gift officers and fundraising program directors.

Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to establishing and maintaining an inclusive working and learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of the campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview.

At FGCU, we collectively stand against any individual or group that practices any form of racism, discrimination, intolerance, hate expressions, or disrespect. We are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, religious beliefs, abilities, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, family statuses, and military backgrounds. FGCU strives to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our University stronger. The University community recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive institution and holds these ideals as paramount for the current and future success of the institution.

We seek colleagues who promote and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position as we believe that our University will grow and move forward through a commitment of equality for all.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Drives all fundraising and donor solicitation efforts at FGCU; responsible for departmental outcomes.

• ​Provides strategic leadership and direction for Development, for all levels and types of giving and fundraising; including but not limited to: annual, mid-level, major, and planned giving, both university wide and within individual units.

• ​Collaborates with university stakeholders to foster a philanthropic culture within FGCU to establish a pipeline of future donors for individual academic units and university-wide priorities. Develops and implements innovative marketing plans and programs for enhanced fundraising efforts and outcomes.

• ​Establishes the direction, goals, implementation strategy, policies, and procedures of the department. Aligns departmental goals with overall university strategies.

• ​Directs the efforts of and supervises departmental staff, sets performance standards, individual solicitation goals, and accountability.

• ​Develops measurable objectives to identify proper resource allocation to achieve objectives and outcomes.

• ​Evaluates statistical, analytical, financial, and narrative reports to be used for decision making and assess effectiveness of efforts.

• ​Provides guidance and instills best operating practices as they relate to university philanthropy.

• ​Serves as department representative on the Development Committee of the Foundation Board.

Other Duties:

• Collaborates with alumni relations and university relations to increase alumni support, grow alumni giving, and maximize conversion of suspects to prospects.

• Coordinates with marketing and communications to synchronize marketing with donor messaging.

• Collaborates with Foundation Finance and Advancement Services to ensure accurate, timely recording of contributions and donor information to be used for decision making.

• Liaisons with university events to ensure achievement of donor functions, including ROI

• Commits to continued learning to remain informed of, and incorporate industry trends and best practices into FGCU Foundation’s practices.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization.

Eight years of progressively responsible experience in institutional advancement leadership.

Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Demonstrated success managing major gifts, leading capital campaigns, planned giving, annual giving, special events, or donor relations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Successful track record of achieving success through strategically building and leading a team of committed professionals.

Experience as a senior administrator in a growing and developing higher education institution.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles, best practices, trends, and legal constraints of fundraising and gift solicitation within higher education.

Advanced knowledge of university giving and understanding of community philanthropy.

Skilled in negotiation and facilitation.

Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to convey ideas and motivate others to exceed expectations.

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.

Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.

Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.

Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.

Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relations with a diverse group of staff, faculty, students, and vendors.

Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.

Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively. Ability to exercise discretion and good judgement at all times.

Ability to collect, organize, analyze and present information in a meaningful manner.

Application review will begin June 30, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

FGCU is an EOE AA /F/Vet/Disability Employer.