Vice President of Philanthropy

Kean University Foundation, Inc.; Union (NJ); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational foundation is seeking a Vice President of Philanthropy to lead fundraising initiatives. This role involves developing strategies for major gifts, mentoring a dedicated team, and working closely with university leadership to secure significant donations. The ideal candidate must have extensive experience in fundraising, particularly within higher education, demonstrating success with substantial gifts. The position is hybrid, based in Union, New Jersey, with a salary range of $180,000 - $240,000.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of progressive fundraising experience in higher education or nonprofit.
• Demonstrated experience in closing six and seven-figure gifts.
• At least 5 years managing and mentoring fundraising professionals.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead multi-year fundraising campaigns for gifts of $25,000+.
• Achieve annual and campaign fundraising targets.
• Lead and mentor a team of fundraising professionals.
• Engage in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

Skills

Leadership and team-building skills

Organizational and project management skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Strategic and analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Master's degree in relevant field

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification

Job description

Title: Vice President of Philanthropy
Reports to: President & CEO, Kean University Foundation
FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt
Location: Union, New Jersey - Hybrid
Salary Range: $180,000 - $240,000

Summary

The Vice President of Philanthropy will be a key leader within the Kean University Foundation, responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive fundraising strategies and campaigns focused on securing gifts of $25,000 or more, including principal gifts of $1 million+. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role will lead a dedicated team encompassing major gift, planned giving, corporate & foundation relations, and prospect development professionals. This individual will play a pivotal role in setting and achieving ambitious principal and major gift goals, ensuring a robust pipeline of donors, and working collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and board members to advance the mission of Kean University through high-level philanthropic support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and Execute Comprehensive Fundraising Strategies : Design, implement, and lead multi-year fundraising campaigns and initiatives for gifts of $25,000+, with an emphasis on securing principal gifts of $1M+. This includes setting ambitious goals, driving team strategy and productivity, and identifying key performance indicators.
• Achieve Principal and Major Gift Goals : Be directly responsible for meeting or exceeding annual and campaign fundraising targets for gifts at the principal and major gift levels, and supporting the team in achieving their individual and collective goals.
• Lead a High-Performing Team : Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of fundraising professionals focused on securing gifts of $25,000+ from individuals and organizations. Foster a collaborative, results-oriented and growth-focused environment.
• Manage and Solicit Prospects : Manage a small, high-level portfolio of top principal gift prospects and provide strategic support as needed to the philanthropy team, directly engaging in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities to cultivate and close gifts.
• Integrate Gift Planning into Overall Strategy : Collaborate with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Gift Planning to integrate planned giving strategies into comprehensive major gift solicitations and donor cultivation plans.
• Oversee Corporate and Foundation Relations : Provide strategic oversight and guidance to the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, ensuring effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional funders.
• Oversee Prospect Development : Provide strategic oversight and guidance to the Director of Prospect Development to identify prospects and build the pipeline, optimize research and portfolio strategies, and utilize data analytics and reporting to track progress, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions related to fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with University Leadership and Board : Work closely with the President & CEO, University leadership, faculty, and Kean University Foundation board members to identify fundraising opportunities, leverage relationships, and ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
• Represent the Foundation : Act as a passionate ambassador for Kean University and the Kean University Foundation at various internal and external events and meetings, cultivating positive relationships with constituents. Prepare and present fundraising reports to the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and relevant committees.
• Manage the Department Budget : Develop and manage the budget for the Philanthropy department, ensuring efficient and effective allocation of resources to maximize fundraising potential.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Education and Credentials

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Philanthropy).
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

Experience

Required:

• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a significant focus on major and principal gifts in a higher education or complex non-profit environment.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully closing six and seven-figure gifts.
• Proven experience in leading and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing and mentoring a team of fundraising professionals.

Preferred:

• Experience working within a university foundation structure.

Skills

Required:

• Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support to diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic and analytical abilities, with a data-driven approach to fundraising.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and ethical conduct.

Preferred:

• Ability to work evenings/weekends and travel as required for donor meetings and events.
• Proficiency in fundraising CRMs (e.g., Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT).

Candidates: Ardú Advisors is assisting the Kean University Foundation with this search. Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [e-mail] .

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