Assistant Vice President of Advancement & External Relations

The Company is seeking an Assistant Vice President of Advancement and External Relations to join their team. The successful candidate will be a senior front-line fundraiser and strategic leader, dedicating a significant portion of their time to major gift fundraising and actively managing a portfolio of high-capacity prospects. This role involves providing executive oversight to advancement operations, including mentorship and strategic direction for a team that covers various aspects of donor engagement. The AVP will be responsible for ensuring a seamless alignment between high-impact donor engagement and operational excellence, as well as guiding the strategic vision for the company's fundraising events. Applicants must have a proven track record in major gift fundraising, with the ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships leading to five-, six-, or seven-figure commitments. The role requires a strategic understanding of advancement operations, prospect research, and database management systems, and the leadership skills to effectively oversee these functions. Experience in managing donor relationships through all phases of the giving cycle and a strong background in team leadership are essential. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) and a minimum of seven years' experience in higher education advancement, major gift fundraising, and team leadership. High analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and a commitment to process optimization are also key requirements for this position.