Assistant Vice President of Advancement | CGU Claremont Graduate University

Annual Salary: $130,000- $160,000

A pplicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee's total compensation

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The upcoming centennial at Claremont Graduate University (CGU) will provide an opportunity to celebrate our rich history and the achievements of our university community. Most important, however, it will be a time to act upon a bold vision for the future.

Philanthropic support will be a vital catalyst for that future. CGU is renowned for its distinguished faculty and outwardly focused approach to graduate education, and it is preparing to expand access to promising scholars around the world. This will require significantly growing the endowment, identifying and engaging planned giving donors, and deepening a culture of annual giving. Fundraising is essential to a thriving, sustainable CGU.

We seek someone with a command of traditional higher education fundraising who can apply that expertise in a nontraditional environment: a graduate-only university with an entrepreneurial ethos. CGU's small but highly skilled and versatile advancement team values creativity, bold thinking, collaboration, and, most important, execution.

CGU's academic community has long had a direct impact on society through applied research and the accomplishments of its faculty, students, and alumni. To secure greater philanthropic support, the university must continue to demonstrate its relevance in the world. The AVP for Advancement will be at the center of making that case to potential donors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Centennial Campaign Development and Execution

The Assistant Vice President for Advancement will be primarily responsible for energizing our alumni and extended community to inspire giving during the centennial campaign, with a focus on targeted micro campaigns. This will include synchronizing advancement and university communications and philanthropic strategies to expand our donor base. Specifically, the AVP for Advancement will:

• Develop a giving program that builds a pipeline of loyal donors, which includes major donors, planned giving donors, and prospects. The centennial will provide a unique opportunity to create a brand for fundraising communications to alumni and friends of the university, but the comprehensive strategy for giving should remain actionable well into the future.

• Collaborate with the VP for Admissions & Advancement and the AVP of Growth Marketing to establish measurable goals to increase fundraising results in ways that are aspirational and achievable.

• Partner with the VP for Admissions & Advancement to create a detailed giving campaign plan, including budget, targets, timelines, and metrics.

• Map out a strategy for the execution of the plan, including direct mail, email, social media, and outreach. The AVP for Advancement will be responsible for managing all fundraising and stewardship initiatives to budget and accounting for expenses.

• Work closely with colleagues across the advancement office, from marketing to development, to maximize the philanthropic experience for prospects and donors.

University Relations

The Assistant Vice President for Advancement will be a strategic partner for the campus and alumni. Specifically, the AVP will:

• Partner with the VP for Admissions & Advancement to work with university leadership, deans, and faculty to drive the success of the centennial campaign.

• Partner with and provide strategic guidance to the Director of Alumni Engagement & Publicity and the Alumni Board on fundraising initiatives and outreach.

• Participate as a thought partner across the institution.

Communication

The Assistant Vice President for Advancement will oversee all stewardship communications, providing strategic guidance on initiatives as varied as digital and print periodicals, targeted email outreach, and letters to individual donors.

Donor Engagement

The Assistant Vice President for Advancement will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating relationships, stewarding their involvement, and securing their support. The AVP will also collaborate with university leadership, the VP for Admissions & Advancement, and the Director of Philanthropy to map out donor engagement strategies, including customized approaches for donor engagement and solicitation design. The AVP will play a central role in creating donor opportunities that align the university's priorities with donor interest, creating strong, lasting relationships.

Team Management

The Assistant Vice President for Advancement will be a consummate team player, collaborating with virtually everyone in advancement. Specifically, the AVP will:

• Provide oversight and strategic direction to the Director of Philanthropy, Assistant Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship, Associate Director of Gifts Accounting & Database Administration, contracted fundraisers, prospect researcher, and student workers.

• Work in partnership with the AVP of Growth Marketing, Director of Executive & Advancement Communications, and Director of Alumni Engagement & Publicity to maximize marketing, storytelling, and media outreach to support philanthropic success.

• Engage as needed with the Director of Integrated Marketing, Marketing Copywriter, Art Director, Digital Designer, Social Media Specialist, and the events team to ensure that all communications channels are in sync with fundraising strategies and tactics.

Data Assessment and Research

The Assistant Vice President for Advancement will employ best practices and insights to unleash the power of data in fundraising efforts and donor engagement.

• Leverage data and research to inform giving strategies.

• Convert information provided by other team members into data that provides insight about current and potentially new philanthropic effortsâ”connecting disparate dots in ways that yield tangible results.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES : Qualified individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

The Assistant Vice President for Advancement will possess the integrity, social intelligence, and aptitudes necessary to inspire donors and stakeholders. These include:

• Effective, inspiring leadership that is firmly grounded in high ethical standards and cultural competency.

• A commitment to diversity and an environment grounded in inclusivity.

• Ability to manage and motivate a team, collaborate effectively with colleagues across the campus, and engage productively with an array of stakeholders.

• High-level interpersonal and communication skillsâ”both oral and written.

• High-level ability to develop and manage comprehensive fundraising budgets. This includes skills in forecasting revenue, controlling expenses, analyzing financial reports, and ensuring that fundraising activities align with the organization's financial goals.

• Expert knowledge of fundraising software and databases and proficiency in data analysis.

• Expert knowledge of how endowments work and experience in fundraising for endowments and/or establishing new endowments through a donor gift.

• Experience drafting gift and pledge agreements.

• Working knowledge of legacy giving.

• Commitment to the mission and values of the university.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

EDUCATION : Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred or any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

EXPERIENCE : Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated success in fundraising and leadership, with a strong background in campaign management and major gifts. Must have a track record of leading successful fundraising campaigns and securing major gifts, preferably in higher education or similarly complex organizations.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES : Must possess a valid California driver's license.

OTHER PREFERENCES : None.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENT : None.

OTHER

HOURS : This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt-level position. Office hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: Benefits eligible; exempt

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY : Yes

REPORTS TO : Vice President for Admissions & Advancement

OTHER: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full background check. Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with requirements cited in this job description.

Physical Activities

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to __ pounds in all directions.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Environmental Conditions

Low temperatures.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

High temperatures.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Noisy environments.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Hazardous conditions.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Poor ventilation.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Small and/or enclosed spaces.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

No adverse environmental conditions expected.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Physical Demands

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

EEO Statement:

Claremont Graduate University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender and/ or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or physical disability or any other legally protected basis in its employment practice and in admission of students to educational programs and activities in accordance with the requirement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title I of the American Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable laws. CGU is committed to affirmative action in employment practices regarding ethnic minorities, the physically challenged, Vietnam-era veterans, and women. This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of the employment position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of the employment position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.

It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Successful completion of criminal background and DMV checks required for final candidate.

About CGU Claremont Graduate University

The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium, which provides shared institutional support services, is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. The undergraduate colleges include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. The two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.

Connections working at CGU Claremont Graduate University