Executive Director, Campaign

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the VPIA, Executive Director, Senior Staff, Board members and volunteer campaign leadership to manage, update and implement a strategic plan for the campaign.
• Work with IA staff to set up the office and identify, develop, and prepare the files of prospective donors and volunteers, with guidance from Campaign Counsel's Associate.
• Carry out a tailored campaign strategy developed with input from the VPIA and the Campaign Counsel team, based on feedback and analysis from the campaign planning study, one-on-one interviews, and advice and guidance from the Campaign Cabinet, Board members, and other philanthropic partners and colleagues.
• The EDC also works with the VPIA and the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement / Westfield State University Foundation to create and execute a comprehensive principal and major gift prospect solicitation program to support campaign initiatives.
• Manage the development of the written case for support after seeking counsel and samples from similar organizations. This document must have clear and specific opportunities outlined, as well as preliminary plans, a definite budget, and an accurate estimate of costs; and it must reflect the highest aspirations of the University's leaders, whose voices must be expressed in the values and goals agreed upon and outlined.
• Work with the Campaign Cabinet and staff to identify, qualify, and engage prospects necessary to achieve the campaign's standards of giving for optimum success.
• Facilitate the formal enlistment of all soliciting volunteers as well as non-soliciting committees involved in the campaign. Working with the Foundation Board and Board of Trustees leadership, VPIA and University President create a Campaign volunteer enlistment plan that results in a diverse and active Campaign Cabinet that is understanding of the strategic goals of the University and the Campaign. In addition, brings impactful relationships to the University through the Campaign.
• Manage all volunteer assignments and make recommendations to the Campaign Division Chairs on who solicits whom, when, and how, with individualized solicitor briefings and prospect proposals for major prospects. Together with Campaign Counsel and the VPIA, design individualized solicitation proposals for each Board member and Top 50 prospects. Advance agreed-upon, dynamic strategies to ensure that sufficient time and attention are paid to this group that will likely give over 75% of the entire goal.
• Oversee volunteer training utilizing a training manual, workshops, and individual briefings, utilizing Campaign Counsel and other resources as may be required.
• Manage the campaign timetable and keep meetings, events, and goals on schedule.
• Follow a campaign organizational chart to establish the type of worker and number of volunteers needed. Develop and refine job duties. Work with the Campaign Cabinet to select the best possible person for each task.
• Manage the overall organization of information and report meetings.
• Support efficient campaign mechanics to control the campaign and maximize efficiency.
• Partner with colleagues to establish a pledge collection system that assures the maximum payment of pledges and the continued goodwill of contributors.
• Partner with colleagues, Campaign Counsel, and volunteer leaders to build a culture of philanthropy resulting in improved and sustainable Advancement outcomes.
• Manage and solicit a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects ($10,000+ per gift), including those interested in a planned gift. Travel to meet existing and prospective donors. Initiate contacts with potential leadership and major gift donors. Develop appropriate cultivation strategies, working closely with Institutional Advancement staff.
• Work with the VPIA, the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement / Westfield State University Foundation, and Donor Relations staff to establish a campaign communications plan for Westfield's internal and external constituencies.
• Serve as a member of the IA Leadership Team to set direction for engagement, general fundraising, and staff development.

Job Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising and development is required, preferably in higher education.
• The incumbent must demonstrate highly developed collaboration, communications, interpersonal, managerial, motivational, and strategic thinking skills to effectively manage the multiple priorities associated with a complex capital/comprehensive campaign.
• Experience using Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge Donor software, Iwave donor research software, and/or equivalents are a plus.

Additional Information

• Salary: Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the https://www.mass.edu/forfacstaff/classificationspecs/home.asp.
• Employee Benefits: Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package. Health Insurance, Retirement, Tuition Waivers & Discounts, Paid Time Off, and additional information regarding employee benefits are available on the University's https://westfield.ma.edu/offices/hr-titleix-eo/benefits-wellness.
• Disability Accommodations: Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.
• Background Check: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.