Assistant Vice President, Development

Assistant Vice President, DevelopmentDivision: University AdvancementEvaluation Group: Staff AdministratorFLSA Status: ExemptReports To: Senior Vice President, University AdvancementPositions Supervised: Director, Development; Director, Leadership Annual Giving; Director, Corporate and Foundation Development; Director, Athletics Development; Assistant Development Officer, AthleticsAbout Lindenwood University AdvancementLocated in historic St. Charles, Missouri, Lindenwood University is a premier, independent comprehensive institution known for student-centric focus and innovation. Lindenwood is committed to providing an exceptional, values-driven education that prepares students to thrive in a dynamic world. It is an exciting time to join the Lindenwood Advancement team. As we prepare to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign, we are aligning our operational infrastructure, building high-impact philanthropic opportunities, and enhancing our engagement with alumni, donors, and regional constituents to support student success, experiential learning, and innovative campus spaces. At Lindenwood, we benefit from working at a picturesque, historic campus, located in a thriving micro-urban community that's adjacent to a major metropolitan city. In fact, in Business Insider named St. Charles the best college town in Missouri, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recognized Lindenwood University as the Best College/University.Job SummaryThe assistant vice president (AVP) of development provides strategic leadership for Lindenwood University's development functions, including planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, major and principal giving, and leadership annual giving. This is a centralized position supporting all colleges and units across campus, including athletics. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President for Advancement, this role serves as a key driver of philanthropic growth and a critical partner in preparing for the university's upcoming comprehensive campaign.Essential Job Functions and Performance IndicatorsThe intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and level of responsibility that will be required of positions given this title. This job description shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.Job Responsibilities and ExecutionProvides strategic leadership for university development functions, aligning fundraising strategies with the university's institutional priorities and campaign goalsLeads the development and execution of strategies to secure philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundationsLeads and mentors a growing team of professionals focused on a wide range of development functions, including major gifts, annual giving, athletics giving, planned giving, and corporate and foundation philanthropyPartners with Deans and other academic leaders to advance fundraising initiatives and donor relationshipsProvides leadership for campaigns and other strategic fundraising initiativesMaintains a personal portfolio of donor prospects, including major, principal, and planned giving prospectsServes as the institution's planned giving officerEnsures gift agreements and stewardship plans are properly created, reviewed and executed for all major giftsOversees development's use of Raiser's Edge NXT, ensuring the CRM is utilized for all development work, including opportunities, substantive engagement tracking, reporting, portfolio and moves management, and performance and productivity trackingBuilds and oversees clear fundraising metrics, performance standards, and reporting processes that guarantee accountability and fuel continued revenue expansionLeadership and Strategic ThinkingOrchestrates the cross-functional alignment of fundraising strategies with long-term institutional priorities, translating high-level vision into actionable campaign milestonesCollaborates with the AVP of Advancement Operations and the Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations to develop a strategy to steward and engage previous donors, requalify and cultivate prior donors, and ensure all donors receive stewardship touch points after gift closurePioneers innovative approaches to donor acquisition and pipeline expansion, leveraging advanced analytics and market insights to anticipate philanthropic trends and secure transformational supportDrives institutional agility by designing scalable development frameworks that empower academic leaders and advancement staff to capitalize on emerging opportunitiesChampions a culture of strategic accountability and continuous improvement, deploying data-informed decision-making to optimize resource allocation and maximize return on investment across all fundraising verticals.Keeps current on tax regulations and planned giving policies to expertly advise development officers and donors on complex, tax-wise charitable giving strategiesEstablishes long- and short-term strategic goals based on assessment data and ensures standards for the department and its field are met or exceededManages budget, personnel, prospect research, and proposal developmentMaintains relationships with current and potential donorsEmployee Management and DevelopmentSupports the mission of the University and serves as an ambassador of the Q2 culture of service excellenceModels, supports, and holds others accountable to the University's valuesRecruits, interviews, recommends, welcomes, observes, and monitors performance of department staffSets clear performance expectations and holds employees accountableConducts annual employee evaluations based on evidence, observation, and feedbackManages human resources reporting for the department, including time keeping and other personnel mattersDetermines metrics used to evaluate performance of advancement officersJob may require other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications – An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Additional requirements may be designated by position.Bachelor's degree in related fieldMinimum of 5 years' experience in non-profit fundraisingMaster's degree preferredExperience utilizing Raiser's Edge NXT or another Advancement CRM for portfolio management, reporting, etc.Proven experience with major and principal giving cultivation, solicitation, and closureStrong communication, presentation, and negotiation skillsCampaign experience preferredExperience with planned gift and non-cash gift solicitations preferredExperience developing strategic fundraising plans and managing donor portfolios and relationships preferredExperience in comprehensive fundraising reporting, goal setting, and performance management preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities – May be representative, but not all inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform this job competently.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and culturesComprehensive knowledge of comprehensive advancement concepts and principlesAbility to drive strategic directionManagement skillsStrong verbal and written communication skills, including persuasive communication skillsPortfolio and moves management skillsKnowledge of general office hardware and Microsoft Office SuiteKnowledge of Raiser's Edge fundraising softwareExcellent creative, interpersonal, and organizational skillsAbility to exercise good judgment, think critically, and multitaskStrong professional integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentialityAbility to understand and implement general principles of accounting and best practices in gift managementAbility to establish and maintain effective and collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, students, community, and media partnersWork Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of this job's functions. Please click here to view Lindenwood University's flexible work designation descriptions.General office settingSome travel requiredEvening and weekend work required as neededNon-Standard FlexPhysical Abilities – The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Ability to work effectively at a computer for extended time dailyAbility to sit and stand for extended periods of timeAdequately mobile in order to travel to visit donors as well as to attend events on and off campusAbility to carry up to 20 pounds, set up, work, and break down eventsRegular attendance is a necessary and essential functionEqual Opportunity EmployerLindenwood University is an Equal Opportunity employer. The University complies with appropriate federal, state, and local laws and provides equal employment opportunities and access to educational programs without regard to race, color