Executive Director of Institutional Advancement

The Director of Institutional Advancement is the lead staff person for development and external relations. The Director reports to the President of the University and advises the President, Senior Advisor, and Chief Financial Officer on all matters pertaining to the management and operation of university development, as well as community and donor relations.   The Director works closely with the Cheyney Foundation, a private nonprofit organization that raises funds to benefit the University, and will serve as an ex officio member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.  The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of success in advancement work and cultivating deep alumni engagement. They will be able to show a history of developing and coordinating plans and programs designed to secure the maximum level of gift support operating, capital, and endowment needs.

Essential Job Functions: 

1. Participates in the identification cultivation and solicitation, when appropriate, of major gift prospects, while managing a portfolio of assigned donors. 2. Responsible for the solicitation and administration of external grants and contracts, including the monitoring of regulations and expenditures and the coordination of internal and external program reviews. 3. Develop policies and procedures governing sponsored programs and research activities. 4. Leads by example with an active schedule of personal visits with both high-level donors and emerging prospects while establishing and building long-term relationships.  5. Implements policies, systems, and activity metrics to support department and institutional goals 6. Launches and leads specific campaigns and programs.   7. Initiates and develops creative and aggressive approaches to identify and secure new sources of support for the University.  8. In collaboration with the Office of the President, develops, implements, and manages a governmental relations program focused on engaging local, state, and federal legislators to secure university resources. 9. Coordinates with grant writers and grant submission teams to secure funding; conducts training for university stakeholders on grant/proposal research and writing. 10. Ensures operational details, protocols, and policies to acknowledge and process gifts, grant/proposal writing, and ethical solicitation practices are followed. 11. Represents the President, when applicable, at selected meetings and events as assigned.  12. Oversee/coordinate the departmental reporting process (monthly, quarterly for Trustees, ongoing required for Middle States accreditation, Thurgood Marshall, etc.) to ensure that executive leadership always has the best information available and there is historical relationship data. 13. Manages the Director of Fund-raising and oversees the work of all department staff. 13. Other duties as assigned.   
Education, Training, and/or Experience:
 
A Bachelor’s Degree in a related area (advanced degree preferred); more than seven years of progressively responsible experience directly related to advancement.  Knowledge of and contact with major funding agencies in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is a plus.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Ability to think strategically and take steps to meet desired outcomes
Strong interpersonal skills
Knowledge of Moves Management
Detail and deadline-oriented
Track record of personally developing and securing philanthropic gifts
Excellent organizational skills
Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge donor management system
Knowledge of current fundraising software and principles
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experience writing funded grants/proposals
Ability to research diligently
Ability to develop long-term relationships with donors