Vice President of Advancement

About the role

One of Arizona’s leading institutions of higher learning, Grand Canyon University (GCU), is located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. This high-profile, front-line position is responsible for managing principal and major gift operations, constituent engagement, and alumni relations, as well as the strategic engagement of corporate partners.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements the major giving strategy in support of institutional campaigns for GCU's academic programs and university initiatives.
• Manages a portfolio of principal gift and sponsorship prospects, visiting and soliciting these prospects for annual contributions.
• Directs the prospect management process, leading and managing a comprehensive pipeline development program for both individuals and corporations.
• Oversees or collaborates with other GCU departments in various fundraising initiatives for different constituencies.
• Positions the President to develop relationships with potential donors who align with GCU’s mission and vision.
• Strategizes and implements a rapid growth strategy for corporate partnerships centered around GCU’s 21 Division 1 sports.
• Leverages CRM and multiple software tools to identify prospects, develop portfolios, and manage the donor process from identification to solicitation.
• Reviews and analyzes new legislation affecting fundraising for higher education, working with legal counsel and senior management to stay informed.
• Serves as a liaison between the President and the Board of Trustees, supporting fundraising activities such as drafting letters, writing talking points, and arranging meetings.
• Collaborates with the Public Relations team to secure media coverage and speaks publicly to the media and a range of audiences.
• Contributes to short and long-term organizational and departmental planning and strategy.
• Serves on various GCU committees as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration, financial management, philanthropy, marketing, public relations, or education
• An equivalent combination of work experience and education may be substituted upon supervisor’s approval
• Bonus: Master’s degree preferred

Qualifications

• Exceptional workplace benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a flexible spending account, a 401K savings plan
• A generous time off plan with 11 paid holidays
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community or at GCU-sponsored events
• Free on-site gyms on campus
• Education Tuition Discount Program for full-time employees, their spouses, and dependent children