Associate Vice President for Development

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details

The Office of Advancement builds lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, and engages them in support of Wesleyan’s educational mission and financial goals. Wesleyan University is currently in the quiet/leadership phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

The Advancement team fosters pride in the Wesleyan community and develops support for university initiatives through outreach activities, including development/fundraising, alumni & parent relations, and both on- and off-campus events.

Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Associate Vice President ( AVP ) for Development will lead a strong fundraising team, providing the inspirational leadership necessary to develop, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team. The AVP will supervise the Directors of Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Gift Planning, Athletic Fundraising, Leadership Giving, and Development Research & Prospect Management.

As a member of the Vice President for Advancement’s senior leadership team, the AVP will collaborate within Advancement and the University to set priorities and devise strategies for meeting University-wide objectives, ensuring that the Advancement team is effective and maximizing resources.

Responsibilities include:

Recruiting, developing and retaining high-performing staff.
Promoting a collaborative team culture, through mentoring, training, and providing feedback.
Inspiring accountability, success, continuous improvement, and professional growth throughout the organization.

Establishing departmental metrics, advise actions and strategies to maximize fundraising effectiveness.

Ensure fundraising success by providing advice, analysis, training and recommendations on prioritization, planning, and policy issues.

Effectively cultivating and successfully soliciting a small portfolio of high profile prospects/donors capable of making significant contributions to the institution, travelling for prospect visits and events.

Effectively managing an annual operating budget.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and at least 10 years of fundraising experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Demonstrated record of accomplishment of building and leading high performing teams.

Demonstrated understanding of the donor
cycle, fundraising best practices, and industry trends.

Demonstrated ability to engage individuals and articulate institutional needs, while exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality.

Sophisticated writing, editing, and presentation skills.

Proven experience as an effective fundraiser.

Proven ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Proven record of fundraising and management success with 15 years of experience.
Understanding of best fundraising practices during a comprehensive campaign.

Proven record as a fundraiser in an educational institute or non-profit.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application close date is July 27, 2021

Additional Information

Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.