Principal Philanthropic Advisor

About the role

James Madison University (JMU) seeks a successful professional to join the Principal Giving team as a Principal Philanthropic Advisor. JMU’s star continues to rise, with President Jim Schmidt and university leadership having developed a bold vision for JMU outlined in the Madison Promise Plan. The Principal Giving team plays a critical role in significantly advancing each of JMU’s strategic priorities and designing financially-significant, transformative opportunities for individuals and families to impact the world through JMU.

Responsibilities

The Principal Philanthropic Advisor reports to the Assistant Vice President for Principal Giving in University Advancement. This role has three defining dimensions:

• Management of prospect relationships with consistent focus and high-touch engagement, cultivation and stewardship that leads to successful solicitations, including managing a portfolio of 50-75 relationships and proactively engaging new high-net-worth donors.
• The ability to shape and communicate, orally and in writing, compelling ideas that will attract transformational gifts based on institutional initiatives and presidential priorities, including developing proposals and closing gifts of $1M+ with a donor-centric approach.
• The ability to represent the Principal Giving team in partnering with colleagues across University Advancement, Athletics, and academic units to coordinate cultivation and solicitation of prospects with multiple interests and relationships with JMU, including collaborating with colleagues and effectively managing up.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising or a field with transferable skills, as well as outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

• Outstanding communication skills, including listening, writing, and speaking, to build trust with both external and internal constituents.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including sincerity, excellent judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated integrity in managing complex relationships and confidential information.
• Proven ability to build and maintain long term stakeholder, client, or partner relationships.
• Strong skill in uncovering connections, networks, and interests while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to assess risk and a willingness to take calculated risks.
• Proven ability to drive performance and execute for results.
• Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues for shared wins.
• Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team, with high levels of communication.
• Ability to relate to a variety of people and build bridges of common understanding in each relationship.
• Ability to navigate the complexity of a large institution.
• Ability and willingness to travel as necessary and work flexible hours, including some evenings and during weekends, to meet with donors/prospects and execute strategic moves.

Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree or professional credential and familiarity with using metrics and analytics to segment, cultivate and grow a pool of relevant prospects.