Chief Advancement Officer

East Central University; Ada (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

East Central University in Ada, OK seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to lead fundraising, donor relations, and growth for the university and ECU Foundation.

You will oversee staff, manage major campaigns, and build relationships with alumni, donors, and foundations to raise revenue and raise the university's visibility.

This exempt role requires a Bachelor's degree and several years in fundraising or sales, with proven leadership and collaborative skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 3–5 years in fundraising or sales.
• Proven track record in fundraising from diverse sources.
• Proven leadership of people and processes in large organizations.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of major donors to increase revenue.
• Lead advancement staff and coordinate with ECU and Foundation leadership.
• Develop annual strategic fundraising plans with executives.
• Cultivate alumni, donors, and foundations to raise ECU's visibility.
• Set goals for staff and report progress to senior leadership.
• Plan and oversee major fundraising campaigns and events on and off campus.

Skills

Fundraising

Leadership

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Communication

Data analysis

Project management

Collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Blackbaud (Raiser's Edge)

Job description

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Chief Advancement Officer is responsible for planning, managing, and executing strategies to increase East Central University and the ECU Foundation's revenue and visibility.

Essential Job Duties

• Work through a Portfolio of 75-100 Constituents.
• Manage day-to-day activities of advancement staff.
• Prepare and execute an annual strategic plan in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
• Create and steward relationships with alumni, donors, Foundations, and other organizations for the benefit of East Central University.
• Set goals and expectations of advancement staff; monitor and report on these items.
• Create and execute a program for stewardship training in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
• Help plan and execute fundraising events on and off campus in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations as well as ECU Events & Marketing staff.
• Lead all major fundraising campaigns and other major fundraising initiatives for the benefit of East Central University.
• Prepare and manage initiatives of fundraising goals with each ECU Dean.
• Manage fundraising activities with faculty, staff, and department leaders.
• Be able to properly articulate the vision of East Central University.
• Conduct face-to-face solicitations of donors.
• Serve as the relationship manager of the President's top prospects.
• Support and advise the CEO, the Foundation Board of Directors, and other senior staff on cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects.
• Identify opportunities to enhance Foundation Board confidence and impact in fundraising conversations.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.

Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred with minimum of three to five years of related work experience in fundraising or sales.
• Proven track record in fundraising from diverse sources.
• Proven track record of leading people and processes within complex organizations, including motivating teams to successfully reach and/or exceed fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and creatively with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, energy, and enthusiasm with the ability to build longterm relationships and represent ECU to internal & external audiences.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to present to a diverse set of audiences.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Word & Excel.
• Knowledge and experience with Blackbaud products are desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have professional integrity and strong business acumen.
• Must have the ability to travel nights and weekends as needed.
• Must have the ability to analyze data to assess trends and adjust strategies.
• Must have experience managing projects in a fast-paced, multifaceted organization.
• Must have knowledge of marketing strategies and brand value.
• Must have the ability to develop and execute short-term and long-range strategic plans.
• Must have the ability to organize a variety of projects and priorities.
• Must maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Frequently communicate and exchange information with others

Frequently stand and walk throughout the facility

Frequently reach with hands and arms; grasp and manipulate objects

Occasionally perform repetitive wrist or finger movements

Occasionally lift and or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment is characterized by low/moderate noise levels.

East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820, [phone]. Please ensure you have completed the Equal Opportunity Data Form with your application. https://www.ecok.edu/employment-services/equal_opportunity_data_form_accessible.pdf