Senior Director of Advancement Services and Operations or VP of Advancement Services and Operations

Overview

As a member of the senior leadership team under the direction of the Vice President for Alumni & Development, this position works under broad, administrative direction with responsibility for providing strategic leadership and consultation. Major responsibilities include communicating the mission of the division and the University, and the management and oversight of the following areas: campaign data readiness, research, reporting, data entry, and gift receipting.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day oversight and management of Advancement Services of the Alumni & Development Office.
• Assist the Vice President in servicing the requests of the President's Office and Board of Trustees.
• Provide leadership in decision-making, problem-solving, and promoting systems improvements across campus as it relates to Alumni & Development work.
• Advise and respond to questions and opportunities from departments and external agencies regarding complex issues, policies, or invitations impacting assigned programs and services.
• Investigate, address, and resolve problems, grievances, and complaints, as well as donor questions, comments, or concerns related to area of responsibility.
• Manage and support research, reporting, data, gift receipting, metrics, key performance indicators, and campaign planning and execution elements of the Alumni & Development office, with a focus on efficiencies.
• Manage a small prospect pool of 20–30 donors capable of making a commitment of $10,000 or more to Millikin University, moving them from cultivation to solicitation and stewardship.
• Participate on various campus committees and external community partnerships, including a variety of leadership groups, representing the Office of Alumni & Development.
• Assist with overall guidance and management of department policy, practices, and procedures, including the planning, communication, and training to ensure consistency of operations.
• Serve as liaison and work collaboratively with the Information Technology department to provide technology and data leadership, especially in relation to campaign execution.
• Serve as liaison and work collaboratively with the Marketing Media Relations department and President's Office to provide planning, communication, and marketing direction, especially in relation to campaign readiness.
• Contribute to the Division and University initiatives, meetings, team sessions, and committees as appropriate or assigned.
• Host and staff division and university events as assigned.
• Represent the University to the Decatur and higher education community in a professional manner.
• Maintain and exhibit loyalty to the University, the Alumni and Development Division, and the Development profession.
• Carry out other job-related duties as assigned by the Vice President for Alumni and Development.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises the Director of Advancement Services (who currently supervises the Coordinator of Data Records and the Gift Receipting Coordinator). Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training staff members; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining staff members; and addressing complaints and resolving issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Over seven years of experience in fundraising, development, marketing/sales, or related fields.
• Supervisor experience.
• Knowledge of data-driven decision making and assessment.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising practices, major gifts, annual giving, and estate planning.
• Excellent organizational skills, personal initiative, and follow-through.
• Strong goal- and results-oriented focus, partnered with an equally strong commitment to relationship building.
• Competent writer of business communication.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to succeed in a result-driven professional organization, maintaining professional performance, demeanor, team approach, and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Customer-, budget-, quality-, and delivery-conscious mindset.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently with minimal supervision, and facilitate teamwork.
• Highly organized, with the ability to plan, execute, and multitask to meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.

Benefits

Millikin offers a competitive salary and full benefit package, including eligibility for tuition waiver.