Senior Leadership Giving Officer

Job Description:

The Senior Leadership Giving Officer reports to the Director of Leadership Giving and is responsible for being knowledgeable of all donors, alumni, parents, and friends in a defined geographic region, making sure a defined broad-based group of prospects based on giving or capability are personally covered by the University or its representatives. The Senior Leadership Giving Officer will design, develop, and manage a comprehensive program of focused solicitation strategies to persuasively present the priorities and case for university support and successfully close major gifts of five to seven figures. The Officer will manage a geographic region and a portfolio of prospects while being responsible for 140 personal visits and 20-25 leadership gift solicitations per year and securing between $1.5 million and $2.5 million per year.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Visit jobs.wlu.edu to learn more about working at W&L, our benefits, community, and living in the area.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and manages a portfolio of 150-200 potential donors capable of gifts of at least $100,000.
  
  
• Travels extensively to visit with donors and highly rated prospects with defined moves management plans for each prospect after an initial visit.
  
  
• Participates in donor prospect strategy sessions.
  
  
• Successfully solicits and closes five to seven figure gifts.
  
  
• Persuasively present the University's mission and goals.
  
  
• Works collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and senior administration.
  
  
• Mentors junior team members.
  
  
• Other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree is required.
  
  
• Consistently demonstrates strong character and leadership abilities and excellent human relations skills to represent the University effectively with its alumni, parents and other external constituents.
  
  
• Must be a passionate, high-energy individual with outstanding skills in management, communication, and team building with a history of success in previous work experience and a desire to work in higher education.
  
  
• Five or more years of successful fundraising and/or development experience preferably in a higher education setting. A record of achieving ambitious targets and goals is expected.
  
  
• Sophisticated interpersonal skills, the ability to listen effectively, and outstanding written and oral communication skills. Candidates should be organized, able to work collaboratively and strategically, and be a talented motivator of volunteers.
  
  
• Knowledge of Moves Management principles and donor database systems is a plus.
  
  

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A resume and cover letter are required. Please upload these documents when prompted on the application form. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.

Application instructions are at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities .

Position Type:

Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

Minimum Pay:

$104,831.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

Washington and Lee affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. We are committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of students, faculty, and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests, and identities. As engaged citizens in a global and diverse society, we seek to advance a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue.

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity in our faculty, staff and student body. Job description requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.