Development Strategy Architect — AVP

The Rome Group; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lindenwood University is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Development to provide strategic leadership for all university advancement functions, including major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving. This centralized role supports all colleges and units, partnering with senior leaders to drive philanthropic growth and manage donor relationships.

The AVP will oversee campaigns, ensure robust stewardship, and guide staff while leveraging Raiser's Edge NXT to track performance and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in non-profit fundraising.
• Experience with major and principal giving cultivation, solicitation, and closure.
• Proven ability to manage donor portfolios and relationships.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience utilizing a fundraising CRM for portfolio management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for university development functions and fundraising priorities.
• Lead the development and execution of strategies to secure philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Mentor and lead a team across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and foundation relations.
• Partner with Deans and academic leaders to advance fundraising initiatives and donor relationships.
• Oversee campaigns, stewardship, and donor relations to ensure robust revenue growth.
• Maintain a personal donor portfolio including major, principal, and planned giving prospects.
• Direct use of the CRM (Raiser’s Edge NXT) for opportunities, engagement tracking, reporting, and moves management.
• Establish fundraising metrics and reporting to drive accountability and ROI.

Skills

Non-profit fundraising

Major gifts

Donor relations

Campaign leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Planned giving

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Job description

Lindenwood University is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Development to provide strategic leadership for all university advancement functions, including major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving. This centralized role supports all colleges and units, partnering with senior leaders to drive philanthropic growth and manage donor relationships.

The AVP will oversee campaigns, ensure robust stewardship, and guide staff while leveraging Raiser's Edge NXT to track performance and outcomes.