Assistant Vice President for Constituent Philanthropy

Oakland University; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Campus recreation access

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Oakland University in Rochester, MI seeks an Assistant Vice President for Constituent Philanthropy to lead comprehensive fundraising across the university. The role will guide academic/unit philanthropy strategies and advance donor engagement with key leadership across campus.

The AVP will oversee Directors of Philanthropy, cultivate major gift opportunities, and expand relationships with deans, faculty, and alumni. Strong strategic vision and communications skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/experience.
• At least six years in development or fundraising with $1,000,000+ gifts.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Ability to build relationships with university leadership.
• Customer service orientation and engagement with campus stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for academic and unit-based fundraising across University Advancement.
• Lead and manage the academic/unit Directors of Philanthropy.
• Strengthen philanthropic partnerships with Deans and university colleagues.
• Manage a select portfolio of top-tier prospects, focusing on principal, major, and complex opportunities.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Blackbaud Fundraiser Performance Management

Job description

Assistant Vice President for Constituent Philanthropy

Position Title Assistant Vice President for Constituent Philanthropy

Department

Department 7420 - Major and Corporate Giving

Position Number

Position Number 988867

Requisition No.

Requisition No. S02841

Salary Range/Pay Rate

Salary Range/Pay Rate $150,000 - $160,000 annually

Benefits of Working at Oakland University

Oakland University offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefit program including a comprehensive medical plan with low contribution amounts for our employees, dental and vision plans at no cost for our employees, generous paid time off plans, a generous University contribution to our 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance for our employees and dependents, free access to our Campus Recreation Center and workout facilities, and flexible work schedules and wellness programs. These are current benefit levels subject to future changes.

Employee Group/Grade

Employee Group/Grade AP Band V

Job Category

Work Schedule

Work Schedule FT/Reg (40 hours)

Shift/Days

This is a full-time position.

Pay Schedule

Pay Schedule Month

Number of Hrs./Wk.

Number of Hrs./Wk. 40

Position Information

Position Information

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• A minimum of six (6) years of significant achievement in a broad-based development, sales, or marketing role with demonstrated success raising gifts of $1,000,000 and above, plus two (2) years of supervisory/management experience.
• Knowledge of all areas of fundraising, including campaign experience with proven success in building productive, long-term relationships with university administrative and academic leadership.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Excellent customer service focus and ability to interact with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and friends of the University.
• High level of commitment, trust and enthusiasm.

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Fund Raising Executive
• Development experience in higher education, preferably within a campaign environment.
• Experience in Blackbaud Fundraiser Performance Management or similar CRM .
• Experience developing and implementing engagement strategies through events, donor relations, communications, and other programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cultivation and alumni engagement strategies.

All Qualifications

Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.

Position Purpose

The Assistant Vice President for Constituent Philanthropy provides strategic leadership for academic and unit-based fundraising across University Advancement. This role leads and manages the academic/unit Directors of Philanthropy, strengthens philanthropic partnerships with Deans and university colleagues, and ensures that academic priorities are translated into compelling donor opportunities. The position also carries a select portfolio of top-tier prospects, with emphasis on principal, major, and complex unit-based opportunities.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/17/2026

Job Close Date

Position Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a member of the Oakland University Administrative-Professional Group?
  • Yes
  • No
  • No Response

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Optional Documents

371 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48309
248-370-2100