AVC, University Advancement — Major Gifts Leader

City University of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

The City University of New York seeks an Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement to lead fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and campaign leadership across the university.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, the AVC will build teams, manage major gifts portfolios, and advance CUNY’s mission through data-driven, philanthropic partnerships. Hybrid schedule in Central Office location.

Qualifications

• This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience.
• Master’s degree or other advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressively responsible fundraising and managerial experience, preferably within a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated success in personally soliciting and closing major and principal gifts.
• Proven experience in campaign planning, execution, and management.
• Experience in recruiting, training, leading, and evaluating fundraising staff.
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising databases.
• Willingness and ability to travel for donor meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management and growth of principal gifts strategy for CUNY Central Office.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor, assisting in the creation and execution of the University’s overarching advancement strategy, including system-wide fundraising campaigns.
• Translate institutional goals into actionable, data-driven fundraising, and donor engagement plans.
• Work with university and college leadership to identify and align institutional funding priorities with the interests of major donors and prospects.
• Manage a personal portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors, focusing on cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major, principal, and planned gifts.
• Build and guide a team of development staff, setting ambitious and achievable fundraising goals and metrics.
• Provide leadership in developing planned giving strategies, including assisting colleges in actively securing planned gift commitments.
• Oversee a robust stewardship and prospect research programs to build and manage a comprehensive donor pipeline.
• Represent University Advancement at public functions, donor events, and other key gatherings to promote the CUNY advancement mission.
• Develop and manage advancement operations, services, and protocols that support university-wide philanthropy.
• Champion best practices in gift administration and prospect management; ensure consistent application of advancement policies.
• Partner with colleagues to ensure data integrity, reporting, and systems optimization.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate advancement staff, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage and provide input into the departmental budget for fundraising and engagement initiatives.
• Perform other special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts cultivation

Campaign planning

Staff management

Strategic partnerships

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

The City University of New York seeks an Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement to lead fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and campaign leadership across the university.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, the AVC will build teams, manage major gifts portfolios, and advance CUNY’s mission through data-driven, philanthropic partnerships. Hybrid schedule in Central Office location.