Associate Vice President, Development

About the Role

The Associate Vice President for Development (AVP) provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for numerous college and unit fundraising programs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Development, this position is a key member of the UA Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team (PAE) senior staff, coordinating resources to achieve optimum financial results. The AVP works with senior University and PAE leaders, deans, department heads, faculty, and staff to achieve established fundraising goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate major-gift fundraising strategies for approximately 4-6 campus colleges and/or units.
• Create and manage an original portfolio of 20-25 prospects, serving as a major/principal gifts officer who cultivates relationships, submits major/principal proposals, and stewards high-level donors.
• Spearhead specific fundraising initiatives as appropriate.
• Supervise, train, and develop development professionals, including performance planning, evaluation, recruitment, and employee relations.
• Work with UA Foundation colleagues, UA senior leadership, college/unit development officers, and deans/unit directors to establish annual fundraising goals and guide specific fundraising strategies aligned with PAE Development Program goals.
• Develop and implement a moves management approach for prospects from identification through stewardship.
• Execute agreed-upon metrics, including donor/prospect visits, major/principal gift asks, and funds raised.
• Coordinate and execute quarterly team strategy meetings for top open proposals for the current fiscal year.
• Identify and assist in creating and executing appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure accountability for fundraising metrics and exemplify transparency by routinely recording contact reports, proposals, and other pertinent information.
• Support consistent messaging with the development team to align with overall goals, objectives, and processes.
• Educate and inform internal and external constituent groups about development services provided by PAE.
• Collaborate with senior University administrators, academic leadership, and community leaders on matters related to securing private support for the University of Arizona.
• Represent UA and PAE at campus and community events.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 20-25 qualified prospects, including individuals, foundations, and select corporations.
• Achieve annual metrics: 100+ donor/prospect visits, 20+ proposals per year, with revenue expectations of $5M+ after onboarding.
• Work with and command the respect of senior leadership, faculty, administrators, and high-level volunteers.
• Collaborate with faculty, clinicians, and researchers to identify philanthropic opportunities and translate complex initiatives into compelling donor cases.
• Engage and support volunteer leaders and boards as appropriate.
• Utilize the UAF CRM (Lynx) to record donor interactions, proposals, and activity in a timely, accurate manner.
• Partner with colleagues across PAE (e.g., Gift Planning, Marketing & Communications, Prospect Development) to ensure integrated donor engagement and maximize fundraising impact.
• Provide guidance for donor communications, event strategy, and stewardship plans.
• Ensure all gifts comply with University gift policies and are acknowledged appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and nine years of experience in major gift fundraising, including success securing gifts of $1 million or more.
• Demonstrated leadership in planning, executing, and closing major and principal gift solicitations.
• Ability to travel throughout Arizona and by commercial airline as needed.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education approved by Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in a complex university or academic health system environment.
• Management experience of development professionals and support staff.

Skills

• Commitment to working in a collaborative team environment with shared goals.
• Ability to work efficiently with a wide variety of individuals, including donors, PAE colleagues, deans, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service and donor-centricity.
• Ability to handle highly confidential, sensitive, or private information discreetly and professionally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and meet strict deadlines.
• Adept at problem-solving and using judgment in situations requiring initiative, tact, and confidentiality.
• Exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.
• Openness to new ideas and flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced environment with changing processes.
• Ability to inspire cooperation and participation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to learn additional software.
• Knowledge and proven experience implementing management principles, including planning, leading, directing, mentoring, evaluating, and motivating staff.

Work Environment

• In-state travel required; occasional out-of-state travel involving commercial airlines and overnight stays may be required.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required to fulfill donor engagement and event responsibilities.