Ferris State University College of Business · 1 month ago
Associate Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director, The Ferris Foundation
Big Rapids, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$146K/yr - $156K/yr
10+ years expFerris State University College of Business is seeking an Associate Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director for The Ferris Foundation. This role is crucial for fundraising strategy and execution, overseeing major gifts and donor relations to support the university's goals.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
In collaboration with the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) and senior leaders within the division, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the university that reflects ambitious year-over-year growth
Lead complex and high-level donor solicitations, working closely with the VPUA and university leadership to align donor interests with the university’s mission and strategic plan
Drive presidential engagement with donors and prospective donors, leading regular donor strategy and outreach planning meetings with the President and University Advancement leadership
Partner with the Vice President for University Advancement & Marketing to translate campaign strategy into actionable fundraising plans, determine viable plans, identify appropriate donors, and work across teams to implement solicitation strategies for each major donor
Serve as the division’s liaison to Facilities Management to monitor and steward the development of capital projects with philanthropic funding. Meet with college deans and other faculty to ensure appropriate levels of fundraising support and coordination. Facilitate annual and quarterly fundraising strategy reviews with deans and development officers to assess progress and make modifications to ensure annual dollar targets are met. Assume primary leadership in developing or reviewing fundraising plans of any campus college, school, or hub
Provide coaching to Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundations Relations, and Planned Giving teams and supervise advancement and stewardship team leaders. Directly supervise additional staff as needed. Manage recruitment, development, evaluation, retention, professional development, and team building of all development staff within the AVP’s purview
Set and manage fundraiser performance metrics and goals in alignment with division-wide fundraising strategy and targets. Ensure all fundraisers observe University fundraising policies, standards, and procedures
Manage annual budget preparation and forecasting for the unit. Review written prospect strategies, proposals, informational materials, gift illustrations, and other materials for all major gift prospects. Read, review, and approve all memoranda of understanding for gift agreements with donors
Operate university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives
Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area
Serve on University committees as appropriate
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university
Minimum of ten years of experience with at least seven to ten years serving at the director level or above; a background of progressively increased responsibility in a comprehensive and sophisticated fundraising program, including supervisory experience
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams with multiple sets of expectations and competing priorities
Proven skills in managing long-range strategic fundraising and day-to-day operations creatively and effectively
Excellent negotiation skills and political savvy to navigate a complex academic environment
Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to create compelling cases for support and adapt to changing priorities
A creative problem-solver with strong critical thinking and analytical skills, who can interpret data and draw valid conclusions
The credibility and sound judgment to engage, inspire, motivate, and persuade staff, faculty, university administrators, donors, and volunteers
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Preferred
An advanced degree
Experience with metrics-driven major-gift fundraising programs and capital or comprehensive campaigns in a college or university environment
Substantial experience as a front-line fundraiser including personal success in closing six and seven-figure gifts
Experience in recruiting, training, leading, and evaluating staff engaged in major-gift fundraising
Experience working with foundation management, reporting requirements, and governing board processes
Track record of success with blended outright and planned gifts
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Company
Ferris State University College of Business
The College of Business provides career-oriented programs, responsive to the changing needs of the business world.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase