Washington University in St. Louis · 3 weeks ago
Executive Director of Advancement, Arts & Sciences - University Advancement
Clayton, MO
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expWashington University in St. Louis is seeking a strategic and collaborative advancement professional to lead the Arts & Sciences Philanthropic Strategy team as the Executive Director of Advancement. The role involves setting the fundraising strategy, overseeing a team of advancement professionals, and increasing engagement and philanthropic support for the university's initiatives.
E-LearningEBooksEducationHigher Education
Responsibilities
Lead the Comprehensive Advancement Strategy for Arts & Sciences
Act as a strategic advisor to Arts & Sciences Dean related to all advancement activities; serve as the lead contact for school colleagues with University Advancement
Establish and maintain strong and effective working relationships with school colleagues and serve on the Dean’s cabinet and committees, as requested
Oversee the Arts & Sciences prospect pool development and management, in collaboration with University Advancement colleagues
Supported by Arts & Sciences strategy officers, manage the Dean’s caseload and ensure the execution of appropriate prospect strategy
Direct the volunteer strategy for boards and committees, such as the school’s National Council and Eliot Committee, and ensure engagement opportunities support annual fund goals and align to Advancement and school priorities
Responsible for setting unit goals, and overseeing gift tables and progress reporting, in collaboration with University Advancement colleagues
Support relationships across University Advancement for Arts & Sciences
Advise and partner with School leadership and faculty to identify school-specific fundraising priorities and related giving opportunities
Develop a deep understanding of key areas of distinction for the School, as well as the University, and campaign priorities
Work with school-based stakeholders to be kept informed of timely developments that may impact on Advancement activities
Review collateral, case statements, opportunity menus, proposals, talking points and other school-specific resources for approval and alignment to School and Advancement standards
Understand and apply University and Advancement-wide policies that impact giving opportunities and proposals
Lead the development of cultivation and solicitation strategies to build support for Arts & Sciences priorities and the University’s campaign initiatives
Collaborate with generalist gift officers to develop individualized strategies for prospects that align to school priorities
Guide gift officers through scripting, consultation, and offering curated resources tailored to specific programs or initiatives
Provide guidance and support to the Arts & Sciences strategy officers, as needed
Partner with Principal Gifts to develop and execute strategies for prospects
Serve as an Arts & Sciences subject matter expert and/or proxy for the dean in donor meetings. Travel and attend events with the Dean, if needed
Collaborate with Corporate and Foundations Relations team in executing comprehensive strategies for corporate and foundation support for the School
Attend and staff key academic and school events as a representative of University Advancement
Partner with Individual Giving Executive Directors to ensure they have effective school-based strategies for gift opportunities
Support unit-based training for gift officers
Serve as liaison for principal gift activity
Oversee fund administration for Arts & Sciences in collaboration with the Donor Relations team and supported by the Arts & Sciences stewardship officers
Navigate and manage the development of gift agreements with Donor Relations that support Arts & Sciences; advise gift officers on donor expectations
Lead the Arts & Sciences Advancement team in the Philanthropic Strategy vertical: set performance goals, provide mentorship, guidance, and regular feedback
Develop and manage budgets for unit activity
Develop and manage annual operational plans
Manage relationships with units across University Advancement; drive accountability for agreed-upon goals and deliverables
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree
Relevant Experience (8 Years)
The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record as fundraiser, manager, and strategist
A record of significant achievement in the area of major gifts and demonstrated skill in developing sophisticated strategies for planning, implementing, and administering complex gift situations
Excellent understanding of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices
Strong commitment to ethical fundraising practices and a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws and regulations
Ability to operate with a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies within a complex organization
An ability to work successfully with administration, faculty, and volunteers as appropriate to secure gifts for the University and its various schools and programs
Experience with progressively responsible management positions, preferably in a higher education or related fundraising environment
Preferred
Leadership (10 Years)
Accountability
Analytical Thinking
Budget Management
Confidentiality
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Fundraising
Goal Setting
Highly Developed Interpersonal
Interpersonal Communication
Leadership
Major Gifts Fundraising
Meeting Organization
Oral Communications
People Management
Problem Solving
Relationship Building
Strategic Planning
Team Accountability
Team Goal Setting
Team Leadership
Working Independently
Workplace Productivity
Work Relationships
Written Communication
Benefits
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child.
Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs.
Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
Company
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University’s mission is to discover and disseminate knowledge, and protect the freedom of inquiry through research and teaching.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Washington University in St. Louis has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (22)
2024 (34)
2023 (39)
2022 (17)
2021 (7)
2020 (20)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$24.6MKey Investors
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsJim McKelvey
2024-09-13Grant
2023-12-01Grant· $0M
2019-01-31Grant
Leadership Team
Jessie Minton
Vice Chancellor for Technology and Chief Information Officer
Keisha Mabry
Entrepreneur in Residence
Recent News
bloomberglaw.com
2025-10-25
2025-10-25
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