Associate Vice President of Unit Development

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The University of Rhode Island is on the rise and philanthropy is powering that momentum. The Associate Vice President of Unit Development (AVP) plays a pivotal role in advancing URI’s bold ambitions by leading a dynamic team of fundraising professionals across our colleges, schools, and Rhody Athletics. Reporting directly to the CEO of the URI Foundation, the AVP inspires excellence, drives fundraising performance, and strengthens relationships that move the University forward.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, people-centered leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is energized by building partnerships, elevating teams, and securing transformative support for a flagship public research university.

Essential Functions & Major Responsibilities :

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and support frontline fundraisers across assigned colleges, schools, and athletics.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture that celebrates results and continuous learning.
• Oversee recruitment, training, coaching, and professional development for unit-based development staff.
• Guide annual operating plans, budget planning, performance evaluations, and long-term staff growth and development.
• Provide clear direction and support for frontline fundraisers to meet and exceed performance expectations.
• Ensure units are aligned with URI’s strategic priorities, messaging, and fundraising standards.
• Strengthen data-informed decision-making by helping staff interpret metrics, trends, and prospect information.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, cross-unit collaboration, and knowledge sharing among development officers.

Fundraising Strategy & Portfolio Management

Collaboration & Institutional Partnership

Education & Experience

Preferred Qualifications

Join the URIF team!

Join our growing team of advancement and engagement professionals. We offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental and vision, generous paid time off and retirement savings programs. One benefit that URIF does not take part in is the University of Rhode Island tuition waiver program.

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state’s public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.