University of Rhode Island Foundation · 2 months ago
Associate Vice President of Unit Development
Kingston, RI, US
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$175K/yr - $200K/yr
7+ years expThe University of Rhode Island Foundation is seeking an Associate Vice President of Unit Development to lead a dynamic team of fundraising professionals. This role involves driving fundraising performance, strengthening relationships, and aligning fundraising strategies with the university's goals.
AlumniHigher EducationNon ProfitUniversities
Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and support frontline fundraisers across assigned colleges, schools, and athletics
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture that celebrates results and continuous learning
Oversee recruitment, training, coaching, and professional development for unit-based development staff
Guide annual operating plans, budget planning, performance evaluations, and long-term staff growth and development
Provide clear direction and support for frontline fundraisers to meet and exceed performance expectations
Ensure units are aligned with URI’s strategic priorities, messaging, and fundraising standards
Strengthen data-informed decision-making by helping staff interpret metrics, trends, and prospect information
Facilitate regular team meetings, cross-unit collaboration, and knowledge sharing among development officers
Maintain a personal portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects, securing philanthropic support for priority URI initiatives
Collaborate with unit frontline fundraisers to develop and implement effective strategies to increase engagement and fundraising through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Ensure high standards of documentation, prospect management, and metric-driven performance
Partner with staff to advance a strong pipeline of donors and new prospects
Elevate fundraising between the units and central fundraising teams, ultimately creating a comprehensive advancement strategy
Create strategies that integrate annual giving, major giving, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations
Ensure each unit has a clear, compelling case for support aligned with its priorities and URI’s institutional vision
Monitor and adjust portfolio composition to maximize donor engagement and philanthropic outcomes
Support staff in preparing briefing materials, proposal drafts, strategy documents, and donor communications
Work closely with the Provost, academic deans, department chairs, athletic leadership, and URIF colleagues to align fundraising priorities with institutional goals
Serve as a member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team, advancing organizational initiatives and strategic planning
Champion consistent messaging, shared priorities, and a unified approach to donor engagement across the university
Build trust-based relationships that bridge academic leadership, alumni, athletics, donors, and campus partners
Collaborate with the central prospect research and analytics team to identify new opportunities and optimize donor journeys
Partner with central stewardship and donor relations staff to ensure donors receive meaningful recognition and communications
Represent URIF at campus meetings, donor events, and strategic planning sessions to enhance collaboration and visibility
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree
Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive fundraising experience, including at least three (3) in higher education
Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and securing major philanthropic gifts
Experience directly managing, leading and developing fundraisers
Strong record of building collaborative relationships, influencing decision-making, and fostering trust across diverse stakeholders and teams
Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills
Strong strategic thinking, judgment, and discretion
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, fast-moving environment
Proficiency with moves management and donor/prospect database systems
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with academic leaders and translate institutional priorities into philanthropic opportunities
Preferred
Advanced degree
Leadership experience within higher education or athletics fundraising
Experience with Salesforce, Workday, or comparable CRM/ERP systems
Experience managing fundraising efforts during a comprehensive campaign
Knowledge of best practices in donor engagement, pipeline development, and campaign planning
Benefits
Medical
Dental and vision
Generous paid time off
Retirement savings programs
Company
University of Rhode Island Foundation
University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement (URIFAE) secures contributions from alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and friends on behalf of the University of Rhode Island.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Adam Quinlan
Chief Financial Officer/VP of Enterprise Risk Management
Austen Farrell
Chief Marketing Officer
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