Senior Director of Engagement, Thunderbird

The ASU Foundation has retained Lindauer, an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should submit, in confidence, a resume and cover letter. Communications, nominations, applications, and inquiries concerning this search should be directed to Raegan Harvey, Consultant, rharvey@LindauerGlobal.com.

The Senior Director of Engagement will serve as a key, frontline fundraiser influencing strategy development and engagement efforts for Thunderbird’s major gifts program. This senior role will manage an international mixed portfolio and steward relationships with alumni globally, while cultivating a global pipeline of major gift donors and prospects including individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations. As a vital member of a small global team of experienced fundraisers and part of Thunderbird’s Engagement Leadership team and the ASU Foundation Global Advancement team, the Senior Director of Engagement will serve as a true cross-campus partner in securing major gifts and annual fund support to further the mission of Thunderbird and the University.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Engagement, the Senior Director of Engagement will play a critical role in realizing Thunderbird’s philanthropic campaign ambitions as ASUF embarks on a comprehensive campaign in the coming months. Collaboration, flexibility, and adaptability are central to this role, as the Senior Director of Engagement will partner with academic unit leaders and represent Thunderbird through liaison with specific ASUF units and colleagues. An experienced major gift officer with a strong track record in raising six- and seven-figure gifts, and with annual giving and a higher education background would be ideal for this role. Over half of Thunderbird’s alumni base resides overseas, therefore a global perspective, international work and lived experience, and multilingual skills are key for success in this position.  A willingness to travel, often with the Dean and senior leaders, and ability to represent Thunderbird and ASU at the highest levels is critical.

The history of Thunderbird is rich, bold, and vibrant. The future, with philanthropy, is limitless.

What you'll do

• Contributes to creation and leadership of a coordinated program of fundraising and engagement activities designed to increase the number and level of annual, major, and/or principal gift donors for Thunderbird; sets direction and approach in tandem with Thunderbird’s vision in assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Leads a comprehensive development program for key regions or segments; develops and executes strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, and volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional and/or foundation prospects on behalf of assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Builds and manages a personal major gift donor/prospect portfolio with a primary focus on securing gifts at or above $100,000 level and a personal fundraising goal of at least $3M in accordance with performance metrics
• Designs and execute strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, and volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional, and/or foundation prospects on behalf of assigned area of responsibility.
• Leads at least two of Thunderbird’s campaign priorities and proactively supports the central campaign priorities, identifying creative, transdisciplinary or unit-spanning strategic gift opportunities; brings together teams across ASUF to activate them
• Manages projects with moderate oversight; depending on area(s) of responsibility, may serve as a project manager for some complex, multilayered, university-wide proposals aimed at raising the higher gifts for a university campaign
• Guided by the direction and scope of each prospect's interest, proactively collaborate across the University enterprise to leverage the maximum philanthropic potential of each donor. Effectively build partnerships with ASU Foundation leadership and staff.
• Participate in strategic planning for academic programs as it relates to fundraising, working closely with the Dean and academic leaders to identify fundraising needs and opportunities.  Act as the lead contact for specific academic areas.
• Develop and submit written proposals, case statements, budgets, and other collateral materials needed to secure philanthropic investments.
• Undertakes a high level of collaboration with both internal departments and broader University partners to identify common goals and develop, execute, and advance prospect and donor strategies and increase participation among high profile volunteers and donors (i.e., alumni engagement, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, development, donor relations, estate and gift planning, financial services, research, and prospect management, etc.)
• Work within the ASU Foundation prospect management and tracking system, following all protocols for visits and solicitations.
• Provides leadership in developing methods of communication and/or programming that optimize donors’ understanding of how their gifts benefit Thunderbird and how to engage.
• Prepare the Dean and other senior colleagues with appropriate prospect and donor information as needed.
• Manages a team (may include staff and volunteers) with moderate oversight; provides leadership, determines and evaluates individual goals, develops and implements training and mentoring, monitors coverage of primary areas of focus ensuring that goals and objectives are attained
• Participate as a member of the ASUF development management team and serve as a resource to development colleagues.
• Conduct appropriate training and mentoring of Thunderbird staff to optimize the effective use of annual giving, communications and stewardship systems and programs.
• Actively contribute to the department’s strategy, reporting, and performance management. Serve as a member of the Thunderbird Engagement Management Team and support the Executive Director (ED) in driving the agenda for these and other key departmental meetings. Deputize for the ED as appropriate.
• Other development related duties as assigned.

What you'll need

• Highly strategic and creative leader with a sound understanding of how an integrated advancement program works.
• Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations involving numerous and sometimes competing constituencies
• Highly analytical with the ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles
• Talented communicator with experience in developing and implementing high impact, segmented engagement strategies
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information
• Ability to exercise good judgement, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others
• Ability to lead a team and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects, individually and as part of a team.
• An advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University and the mission of the Thunderbird School of Global Management
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties
• Skill in using donor database system(s)

Relevant qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years’ experience or master’s degree and five (5) years’ experience in not-for-profit and/or related field.  Related experience must possess and demonstrate significant writing and training/supervisory experience. Documented success in personally implementing sophisticated, multi-year cultivation strategies that use a relationship-building and moves management approach leading to successful gift closure.

Preferred education and experience

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundation 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. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation We Value:

Character

We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.

Service

We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.

Innovation

Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Salary : $3 - $30