Assistant Vice President, Foundation Relations – University…

Carnegie Mellon University is proud to partner with the Aspen Leadership Group in the search for an Assistant Vice President for Foundation Relations. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Selected applicants will be contacted by ALG for further consideration.

Carnegie Mellon is enjoying its most productive fundraising years in its history, raising more than $500M over the last three years. University Advancement (UA) supports the entire CMU community in securing the financial resources the university needs to continue its ascent. As the division grows, we are seeking an Assistant Vice President, Foundation Relations. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will develop and direct a comprehensive program to secure and sustain support from foundations for the priorities and goals of the university. You will be responsible for initiating, designing and executing strategies for assigned foundations based on capacity for support, existing relations with CMU and alignment of university and foundation priorities. You will serve to foster a culture of collaboration with colleagues in all CMU schools and colleges in developing opportunities to engage foundation partners in university priorities through a coordinated and compelling approach.

Reporting to the senior associate vice president for development, you will act as the lead development staff for key foundations in building relationships with university leaders, including the president, provost, and deans. You will accompany university leaders on visits, and serve as liaison to deans and department heads. You will oversee leadership and management of the foundation relations staff.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Serving as an active member of University Advancement’s leadership and collaborating with university leadership and peers to achieve division-wide goals.
• Ensuring the coordination between college- and school-based foundation relations units with the central foundation relations fundraising program to maximize engagement and fundraising results.
• Ensuring foundation fundraising goals and strategies for each unit and programs are developed and implemented.
• Developing strategic, proactive relationships with foundations as well as identify foundation interests that align with university priorities.
• Working successfully with faculty across a broad range of academic disciplines and translate and shape complex research projects and university priorities into compelling fundraising proposals.
• Identifying prospects and develop and propose strategies for the solicitation of gifts from foundations. This includes identifying volunteers, senior administration and trustee contacts. Accountable for developing and achieving fundraising goals, plans and objectives for an assigned portfolio.
• Writing foundation proposals for solicitation of established prospects and provide guidance and assistance with the preparation of gift proposals to others. Identifying and analyzing information pertinent to relationship development with potential foundations. Preparing and presenting reports for university officials and external audiences.
• Managing an appropriate portfolio of foundation prospects that have the ability to make a grant of $1 million or more.
• Visiting foundation program staff and trustees – both locally and nationally – to raise awareness of university initiatives and solicit gifts. Traveling both individually and with senior university officials, such as the president, provost and deans.
• Supervising an effective program of communication and stewardship for foundation prospects and donors.
• Leading, coaching and evaluating the performance of direct reports.
• Organizing university campus events for foundations’ program officers and trustees showcasing key funding initiatives. Matching university strengths and interests with prospective foundations’ interests.
• Keeping current on programs and faculty, research and student initiatives at the university.
• Helping to maximize effectiveness across all levels of the organization through other duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within University Advancement. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• The ability to:
• relate well to, and understand the needs and interests of foundations in order to develop relationships between them and the university
• initiate, follow-through, analyze, monitor, and evaluate strategy plans for qualification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects
• maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations and/or individuals
• meet deadlines, work under pressure, and manage emerging priorities
• pay close attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records
• prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• understand and follow directions
• work well with others and/or as part of a team
• handle sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and use discretion
• Problem solving and reasoning skills, analytical skills and oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the university’s funding priorities through developing excellent working relationships with faculty, senior academic leaders, trustees and other volunteers, and the university and college advancement teams
• Personal belief in mission, goals and objectives of private higher education

You should be able to travel domestically and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s or Doctoral degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, foundation relations, sales or market development, preferably within a higher education fundraising setting; demonstrated success in developing and managing relationships with university leaders and local/national foundation executives; strong supervisory, coaching and mentoring skills; in-depth knowledge of university governance, administration and operations; ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and alter strategic development plans and achieve revenue results; and demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and successfully complete a driver’s license verification on an annual basis. Must complete the National Safety Council Defensive Driver Training once every three years.
• Background check

More Information

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A listing of employee benefits is available at: http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.