University Advancement - Executive Director of University Advancement

Position Summary Sacred Heart University seeks an Executive Director of University Advancement to lead strategy, innovation, and growth within a dynamic, mission-driven, and fast-growing institution.

The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the university's philanthropic vision-driving meaningful engagement, expanding partnerships, and increasing philanthropic investment to support Sacred Heart's academic priorities, student experience, and institutional excellence.

S/he will serve as a chief frontline fundraiser, building and maintaining key relationships with alumni and other key constituencies.

The ED will report through the AVP, University Advancement & Philanthropic Campaigns and work directly with Deans, faculty, senior administrators, and University leadership to develop innovative giving opportunities and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across all areas of the university.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities Build out a robust donor pipeline that focuses on alumni, corporate, high net worth individuals, and foundation donor discovery, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and upgrading.

Prioritize a combination of face-to-face visits, video conferencing, and phone communication with qualified alumni, corporate, high net worth individuals, and foundation prospects.

Engage senior leadership, including deans, in key donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

Build, manage and lead a portfolio of 162+ alumni high net worth individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.

Within UA leadership, support the Deans of College of Health Professions and the Davis & Henley College of Nursing in identifying and developing strategic funding needs for each College.

In concert with the Deans of the College of Health Professions and the Davis & Henley College of Nursing, create and lead a college-based health and business leaders advisory board with all constituencies represented.

Report regular progress against strategic and operational goals, including donor engagement and stewardship touchpoints, revenue and moves management targets, and pipeline management details.

Draft letters, proposals, reports, case materials, briefings, acknowledgments, and other appropriate materials in support of the advancement program.

Be creative, proactive, and proactive with new ideas of potential funders, whether they are corporate, foundation, or individuals.

Represent the University at events and constituent gatherings as appropriate Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Vice President of University Advancement and the Associate Vice President of University Advancement & Philanthropic Campaigns Other duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Others Attributes Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred.

At least 5-8 years of demonstrated successful fundraising experience (preferably in a higher education setting). Success implementing a long-term fundraising strategy that is donor-centered.

Experience building a major gifts program in a school or college setting.

Success supporting and managing organizational leadership in donor cultivation and solicitation.

Ability to conceptualize and describe funding needs in a way that is compelling to prospects, donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

Evidence of successful oral and written communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills.

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.

Knowledge of Blackbaud's Raisers Edge is a plus.

Unusual Working Conditions Extensive travel Will be required to work additional hours, some nights and weekends.