Executive Director of Development, Presidential Advancement

 

The ASU Foundation (ASUF) fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact.   

 

The Executive Director will work in close partnership with the ASU Foundation SVP and ASU President, with the intent of constructing the most significant opportunities for external constituents to invest in Arizona State University as a New American University. The Executive Director will be responsible for all aspects of advancement, including fundraising, community and donor cultivation, campaign management, and other external engagement functions. The Executive Director will personally manage 40-50 UHNW prospects and organizations toward optimal engagement and support.

 

 

What you'll do:

• Manage a portfolio of 40-50 presidential level prospects, with independent responsibility for designing, delivering, and executing complex and evolving strategies leading to a leadership gift solicitation for each prospect. Closes $5-10 million in new gifts and commitments annually.

• In close partnership with the SVP and ASU President, develop and manage authentic, professional relationships with external constituents, determining the direction and scope of a prospect’s interest, and leveraging the maximum philanthropic potential of each constituent

• Collaborates with development colleagues across the ASU Foundation to promote opportunities to interested prospects and proactively managers a principal giving portfolio with a primary focus on securing gifts at or above the $5M level.

• Guided by the direction and scope of a prospect’s interests, collaborates with various faculty, institute/center directors and unit-based and foundation-based fundraisers to leverage the maximum philanthropic potential of a prospect

• Develops and submits written proposals, budgets and other collateral materials need to secure philanthropic investments

• Provides fundraising expertise and counsel regarding potential development opportunities for evolving programs and priorities

• Participates in strategic planning for priority programs as it relates to fundraising, working closely with executive leaders to identify fundraising needs and opportunities

• Works within the ASUF prospect management and tracking system, following all protocols for visits and solicitations

• Partners with both internal (ASUF) and broader ASU colleagues to identify common goals and develop, execute and advance prospect and donor strategies

• Ensures the proper stewardship of and recognition of donors in portfolio

• Serves as the project manager for complex, multilayered, university-wide proposals

• Manages budget, related to area of responsibility, ensuring a maximum return on university investments while controlling expenses

• Maintains up to date knowledge on key alumni and high-level donors and/or oversees continuous research, development and up-to-date knowledge on prospects and works with other areas to coordinate contacts

• Other duties as assigned

 

 

What you'll need:

• Creative, professional, and entrepreneurial spirit; strong intellectual curiosity and high degree of self-motivation

• Professional credibility, intellectual depth, maturity, wisdom and collaborative skills to garner the trust and confidence of the ASU President, senior staff, faculty, students and other key constituents

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles

• Complex problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate and inspiring concept materials, proposals and other documents to support development objectives

• Highly flexible nature, sophisticated and professional demeanor, and the ability to think quickly and react effectively to unanticipated circumstances, opportunities, and complex situations

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information

• Ability to inquire about and understand organizational interests and needs, and determine how to persuade or market to that organization with compelling benefits

• Ability to represent the institution well and possess and advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University

• Ability to project a strong positive image of the University through personal interaction with prospects, donors and alumni

• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assignments and activities

• Highly organized and able to successfully juggle multiple complex projects

• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate and understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others

• Demonstrated success in raising donor sights, articulating aspirational goals and ideas, setting priorities, and presenting philanthropic opportunities

• Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community

• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in donor/prospect computer database systems

• Ability and willingness to travel, both by air and by personal automobile

 

 

Relevant qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree: advanced degree required.

• Ten years of higher education fundraising experience.

 

 

Preferred education and experience:

• Preference given to candidates with experiences working directly or indirectly in a university president’s office, who have consistently advanced a dynamic portfolio of university-wide initiatives and have managed university/executive leadership.

 

 

Benefits:  

• Hybrid work schedule. We work from home two days a week!

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution 

• 22 days of vacation time 

• 11 holidays, including your birthday 

• Parental leave 

• Significant tuition reductions 

• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Enterprise Partners, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest 

• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement 

 

 

At ASU Enterprise Partners: 

 

We serve. 

We serve the faculty and staff of ASU to bring them resources so they can do all the great things that they do. 

 

We innovate. 

We’re always looking for new ideas, new solutions, new approaches and new ways to address the challenges facing ASU. 

 

We engage. 

We engage our donors, philanthropists, investors and partners, connecting them to ASU and helping them share their time, talent and treasure. 

 

We care. 

When we serve, innovate and engage, it shows that we care — about faculty, staff, donors, fellow employees and other partners as we bring resources to ASU. 

 

ASU Enterprise Partners and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer that is firmly committed to promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organization and throughout our sphere of influence. Because we embrace a spirit of innovation and achievement, we will endeavor to maximize the talent and potential of all employees, directors, and volunteers through bold and strategic action aimed at building success and a sense of belonging. All employees are expected to act in good faith to support these actions and to not impede the efforts of others to build a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization.  

Relevant qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree: advanced degree required.

• Ten years of higher education fundraising experience.

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