Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement

Senior Vice President for Advancement

Department: Advancement

Location: Columbia, MO

Type: Full-time

Pay: $155,000

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Summary

The Senior Associate VP of Development is responsible for meeting individual and team fundraising goals in support of Columbia College and leading assigned staff in support of performance goals for the Advancement Unit. This person manages relationships with alumni, friends and corporate partners for the purpose of receiving financial support for the Columbia College Fund, capital projects, planned gifts, scholarship endowments and other priorities of the college and is responsible for all operations in the absence of the VP of Advancement. This position involves travel, prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and managing relationships with donors in support of institutional priorities.

Essential Functions

Overall:

• Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College's vision, mission, and values.
• Establish and maintain a collegial, creative, and productive work environment.
• Support a culture of Advancement.
• Foster relationships among various constituencies to increase volunteer participation and financial support.
• Partner with Vice President for support of advancement operations including representing Advancement in meetings as requested.

Fundraising:

• Manage a portfolio of prospects at various stages in the fundraising process including initial contact, sharing the priorities of Columbia College, and making requests for support and stewardship.
• Secure at least $1.5M+ annually in new commitments, with emphasis on major gifts.
• Responsible for at least 20 in-person or Zoom meaningful engagements monthly with supporting documentation.
• Maintain an active portfolio of 100125 qualified prospects.
• Play a key role in advancing priority initiatives, including capital projects, programmatic expansion, and campaign efforts.
• Travel regionally and nationally to visit donors assigned to the portfolio.
• Build positive relationships with donors to ensure positive and purposeful engagement.
• Prepare briefings, gift agreements, and other correspondence for current and potential donors, collaborating with Advancement leadership.
• Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and gift closure.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflect an optimistic attitude, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors.
• Active participation in prospect management and one-on-one meetings in support of a culture of philanthropy.
• Communicate closely with Advancement Services staff regarding information pertaining to major and planned gift prospects, including contact reports, proposal generation, gift acknowledgments, and other data important for the maintenance of donor/prospect records.
• Support the College's goals surrounding fundraising in your day-to-day work and communication efforts.

Management:

• Oversight of assigned Advancement staff providing day-to-day feedback, annual reviews and professional development
• Follow established division-wide standard operating procedures, specifically as they relate to proofing standards before distribution.
• Submit timely and accurate expense reports for approval for assigned staff
• Work in partnership with the Vice President to adhere to an annual budget.

Required Skills, Core Competencies, and Professional Experience

• Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language.
• Proficiency with the following, but not limited to: speaking; active listening; reading comprehension; social perceptiveness; writing; coordination; critical thinking; persuasion; complex problem solving; and judgment and decision making.
• Proficiency in using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
• Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment, with or without direct supervision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills with all constituents.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills in coordinating multifaceted programs and events.
• Ability to create and deliver compelling presentations.
• Understand database management, donor relations, and gift processing.
• As an outward-facing professional representative of Columbia College, practice exemplary customer service in all manners of communication by telephone, written, and in person.
• Strategic, high-level, polished customer service, impeccable organizational skills, and confidentiality.
• Ability to make clear, concise, and convincing presentations.
• Strict adherence to following office procedures for review and approvals before communication pieces are presented, and before external communications to large audiences are distributed.
• Ability to negotiate agreeable solutions while maintaining relationships.
• Ability to prepare for, lead, and effectively follow up on meetings.
• Ability to work independently towards achieving shared goals and meet deadlines.
• Decorum and respect for authority and protocol.

Position Reports To

• Vice President, Advancement Division

Required Level of Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree desired.

Special Requirements (if any): Travel, evening, and weekend work.