Director of Advancement

Job Description

In partnership with College Dean(s), University leadership, faculty, and Advancement and Alumni Relations, the Director of Advancement serves as the lead development officer for assigned colleges, programs, or initiatives and is responsible for securing philanthropic support that advances the strategic priorities of the College(s) and the University. Provides strategic counsel to Dean(s) regarding philanthropic opportunities and donor engagement. The Director develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, friends, parents, corporations, foundations, and other constituents capable of making significant philanthropic investments.

The Director manages a portfolio of 100-120 major gift prospects and donors and is responsible for developing individualized engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans designed to maximize philanthropic support. Working collaboratively with academic and university partners, the Director builds meaningful relationships that align donor interests with institutional priorities and funding opportunities.

The Director develops and implements an annual fundraising plan that includes measurable goals and strategies for donor engagement, prospect development, solicitation, stewardship, and pipeline growth. Through strategic travel and personal outreach, the Director conducts meaningful donor interactions that advance prospects through the giving cycle and contribute to the University’s fundraising goals. Responsible for achieving annual fundraising and activity goals, including major gift proposals, visits, and contacts.

The Director utilizes donor and prospect management systems (Raiser’s Edge) to maintain accurate records, track activity, analyze fundraising performance, and identify new opportunities for engagement and support.

As a key member of the Division, the Director fosters strong working relationships across campus and serves as a trusted advisor to academic leaders and colleagues on donor strategy, fundraising best practices, and philanthropic opportunities. The Director contributes to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered engagement while advancing the mission of the Division and University.

Extensive travel, including evening and weekend commitments, is required to develop and maintain relationships with donors and prospective donors.

Required Qualifications

•Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, or a related field, with a proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and secure philanthropic commitments.
•Experience managing a portfolio of prospects and developing strategies to move donors through the cultivation and solicitation cycle.
•Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with donors, alumni, volunteer leaders, faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners.
•Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans and manage multiple priorities in a results-oriented environment.
•Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across academic and administrative units.
•Experience utilizing constituent relationship management systems, donor databases, and related technology to manage prospect activity, donor engagement, and fundraising outcomes (such as Raiser’s Edge).
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
•Ability and willingness to travel extensively and work evenings and weekends as required to meet fundraising goals and objectives.
•Valid driver’s license.
•Advanced degree in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

•Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, healthcare philanthropy, or another complex relationship-based fundraising environment.
•Demonstrated success securing major gifts and achieving fundraising goals.
•Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT or comparable donor management systems.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a cover letter and resume

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.