SVP of Advancement

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Advancement at the University of Austin (UATX) develops and drives a comprehensive, strategic fundraising program to increase philanthropic giving and expand the portfolio of donors for UATX. The SVP leads a team of 11 staff in Austin and elsewhere across the country and works closely with UATX leaders, as a member of the President’s Cabinet, and with trustees, colleagues, and allies to secure gifts in support of UATX’s vision and goals.

The Advancement team is charged with identifying new prospects; cultivating individual prospects and donors; soliciting and stewarding gifts; and partnering with UATX leaders to develop a compelling narrative and set of gift opportunities to support priorities. The SVP should be highly motivated, strategic, innovative, and able to deploy development experience to lead a growing team and build on success to date, which includes raising $220M in the three and a half years since UATX’s launch, from more than 2,500 donors across the country. 

As UATX prepares to name and welcome its second president, the SVP will partner with him/her to define fundraising priorities and to launch a campaign to raise upwards of $750M in the coming years. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated by the opportunity to be part of an exciting start-up environment and growing a new institution to provide an unparalleled experience in higher education. Compensation will be commensurate with the high expectations for this position.

• Leads UATX fundraising efforts by planning and executing a robust and comprehensive fundraising strategy, including a proposal for the next major campaign, building on the $250M UATX Founders Campaign of 2022-2025. 
• Models a proactive approach for prospecting and building relationships with donors and prospects, as he/she manages a small portfolio of principal-gift-level donors. Develops new and creative ways to inform and engage high-level prospects and donors. Travels regularly to donor meetings and events.
• Supervises and mentors the Advancement team. Brings expertise in effective fundraising practices and standards to increase the effectiveness of the team. Establishes goals and metrics of success. Offers strategic recommendations for the continued growth of the team. Advises gift officers on individual cultivation and stewardship strategies.
• Drives the development of a clear and compelling narrative for prospects and donors, which represents funding priorities of the UATX leadership.
• Serves as a member of the UATX Senior Leadership Team. 
• Ensures strict adherence with all legal, financial, and reporting needs; works with leadership team and CFO on planning, budgeting, and implementation of short- and long-term goals for the university.
• Ensures the Advancement team partners effectively with the CFO and Finance team to report and track gifts and pledges.

• Genuine passion for the mission and principles of UATX.
• An extensive, proven track record of engaging and securing 7-figure-plus gifts from high-net-worth individuals. 
• Comprehensive understanding of fundraising principles, best practices, donor CRM and management systems, measurement and analytics, and campaign management. 
• Strong commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and excellence in all aspects of donor relations and team leadership.
• Demonstrated initiative, deep curiosity, strategic-thinking, and agility working in high-paced, high-intensity professional environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team with good cheer, adaptability, and modeling of passionate leadership.
• A clear interest in and appreciation for higher education, with an understanding of the trends in higher education and the opportunities for reform and renewal.
• Superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to translate a wide range of academic interests and innovative ideas into compelling donor engagement opportunities.
• Significant staff management experience, and a demonstrated record of cultivating gift officers and other fundraising professionals.
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EEO / AA STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

UATX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Salary : $750