Chief Development Officer at UVA Alumni Association in Charlottesville, Virginia

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will join the Alumni Association at a pivotal time, playing a critical role in driving forward ambitious fundraising initiatives, including a major building campaign and new revenue generation opportunities. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO will lead the strategic development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies that support both the immediate needs of the Association and its long-term mission. This leader will provide visionary and tactical guidance to the fundraising and business development teams, fostering a culture of integrity, inclusion, connection, innovation, and service.

The CDO will report directly to the President & CEO and oversee all aspects of the Association's building campaign, A Home for Every Hoo, including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and planned giving in close partnership with the President & CEO, Development team, and the Development Committee of the Alumni Association's Board of Managers. In addition to the building campaign, the CDO will lead a team of professionals responsible for securing and stewarding major gifts and leadership giving for the annual fund, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising. The CDO will collaborate with University Advancement and other UVA fundraising units to ensure fundraising efforts align with University priorities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership & Capital Campaign Execution: Refine and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Alumni Association, including leadership of the building campaign and other strategic initiatives. This includes overseeing a $35M+ building campaign pipeline while tracking progress toward defined goals.
• Donor Pipeline Management: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a personal portfolio of principal and major gift prospects in close partnership with the Development Director and President & CEO.
• People Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage the Development team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture. Build accountability through clear goal setting, trackable KPIs, support, and accountability with team members who lead functions including:
  • Annual Fund: Refine strategies to achieve $1.25M in FY25 with increased year-over-year Annual Fund performance through expansion of the donor base, leadership giving, and major giving.
  • Building Campaign: Achieve $35M+ fundraising goal for building campaign.
  • Business Development: Retain existing partners, sponsors, and advertisers; identify and expand new revenue generation opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives.
  • Membership: Retain existing Contributing Members and increase membership revenue year-over-year.
  • Stewardship: Enhance and align our stewardship processes for donors, leadership volunteers, Contributing Members, and other involved and active alumni.
  • Development Operations: Build strong policies and processes that support best practices, effectiveness and efficiency across the team.
• Project Management: Manage cross-functional teams, timelines, and resources to ensure smooth execution of all development and campaign initiatives. Communicate proactively and thoroughly to ensure all stakeholders are apprised of project statuses, challenges, and successes.
• Data-Driven Fundraising: Utilize data and technology to enhance fundraising strategies, track performance, and inform decisions. Leverage CRM systems to analyze donor trends and optimize engagement.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE:

• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience leading successful capital campaigns, including multi-year and complex fundraising initiatives.
• Minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, developing donor relationships, and managing a personal portfolio of high-net-worth individuals.
• Experience in overseeing an Annual Fund strategy and operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of revenue generation through business development, corporate partnerships, and membership programs.
• Creatively and resourcefully identify and manage prospects in complex environments.
• Strong project management experience managing timelines and resources for large-scale campaigns and development operations including financial forecasting and budgetary responsibilities.
• Successful track record of building and leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment while fostering professional development, collaboration, and accountability by providing consistent feedback and support to individuals and the team.
• Proficiency in data analytics and CRM systems with the ability to leverage technology for data-driven decision-making.

SUPERVISION:

The Chief Development Officer manages a team of professionals with focus areas of Major Gifts, Annual Fund, Business Development, Membership, and Operations.

COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and lead a diverse team, foster collaboration, and create a culture of accountability.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrates strategic thinking with the ability to operationalize long-term plans while managing immediate tactical priorities, offering strategic and tactical guidance to the Development team, President & CEO, and stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and motivate donors, members, alumni, corporate partners, staff, and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, able to pivot and adjust strategies as needed to meet evolving goals.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a creative, solution-focused approach to overcoming challenges.
• Technology Savvy: Proficient in using fundraising technology, data analytics, and donor management systems to optimize campaign outcomes.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Hybrid office environment with significant travel required for fundraising and campaign-related activities. Must be available to attend evening and weekend events as necessary. DC/Virginia residency required for employment.

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