Associate Vice President, Principal Giving

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership of the Principal Gifts Program (40%)
  • Design, refine, and implement a comprehensive principal gifts program supporting disciplined identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of seven- and eight-figure gifts.
  • Partner closely with the Vice President for D&AA and President to advance the university’s highest philanthropic priorities and engage the institution’s most significant donors.
  • Establish regular principal gift strategy meetings with the President and Vice President to review donor engagement, refine cultivation strategies, and coordinate leadership participation in major gift opportunities.
  • Manage a portfolio of 30–50 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and family foundations, and collaborate with advancement colleagues to identify and qualify new principal gift prospects.
  • Foster a culture of strategic relationship management and principal gift fundraising across the advancement division.
• Cross-Campus Collaboration and Campaign Strategy (25%)
  • Serve as a strategic fundraising partner to Development Officers, deans and academic leaders, translating academic priorities into compelling funding opportunities across schools and colleges.
  • Lead principal gift strategy sessions with the Vice President for D&AA, President, Provost, and senior leadership, embedding a culture of philanthropy to advance institutional goals.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to development officers working with donors capable of principal-level commitments.
  • Collaborate across advancement teams — major gifts, planned giving, stewardship, and operations, to align efforts and maximize philanthropic impact.
  • Contribute to campaign strategy development and execution, with a focus on building and advancing the principal gift pipeline.
• Donor Engagement, Stewardship, and Signature Experiences (35%)
  • Design and lead high-impact donor campus experiences integrating student engagement, academic showcases, capital project tours, and leadership interactions to support principal gift cultivation.
  • Oversee prospect management and stewardship strategy, including milestone events such as groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for major philanthropic investments.
  • Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop strategic messaging, draft press releases, and shape donor stories that communicate a compelling vision for key initiatives.
  • Ensure exceptional stewardship practices that strengthen long-term donor relationships and reinforce philanthropic impact.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive experience in advancement, development and fundraising in higher education or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to craft messages for various audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and attention to detail skills, with demonstrated ability to assess complex situations and facilitate solutions in a collaborative manner.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Strong ability to engage volunteers who hold a variety of backgrounds.
• Strong planning, relationship building, communication and management skills are also required.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed to support University and Advancement events.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.

Education Requirements

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

About Quinnipiac

The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 20 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting national and conference titles — including a 2023 NCAA national championship win in men’s ice hockey, a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team and NCAA Tournament appearances by many of our programs. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities. The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and recently opened South Quad with three state-of-the-art buildings. As Quinnipiac grows, the university remains guided by the core values that define our community and shapes the experience of every student and employee. We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner. We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued. We boldly shape our university's future. We will forge a path of impact together. These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses.