Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement

Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The president of Texas A&M University-Commerce invites inquiries and nominations for the position of Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement.

 UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW

A&M-Commerce is a proud member of The Texas A&M University System. Located just east of Dallas, A&M-Commerce offers 130 affordable degree programs and serves 11,624 students. The university transforms lives through its mission to “Educate. Discover. Achieve.”

Students work with world-class professors who dedicate themselves to excellence in teaching and research. The university maintains strong relationships with local industries to create relevant academic programs and valuable internship and networking opportunities that prepare career-ready graduates.

 PHILANTHROPY AND ENGAGEMENT DIVISION OVERVIEW

The Philanthropy and Engagement Division generates public and private support for the university community, helping alumni and friends

• create personal legacies;
• stay informed, involved and invested in A&M-Commerce;
• and establish strong personal connections with the university community.

The philanthropy and engagement team is inspired by a deep appreciation for the generosity of donors and their heart for A&M-Commerce. The team recognizes that every donation-no matter the amount-makes an immeasurable impact and will pay repeated dividends in the successful lives and accomplishments of our students.

For more information about the position:  Job Prospectus - Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement | Texas A&M University-Commerce (tamuc.edu)

 For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 20, 2021 via the university employment portal.

 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

 During the application process the “My Experience” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)” to upload required documents. 

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration. 

 

Please provide the following documents:

• Letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile.
• Resume/CV
• Five professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required at time of verbal offer). 
  If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective faculty member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

 Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document. If you need assistance with this or any other matters, please contact us at HR.Hiring@tamuc.edu.

 SUMMARY:

The Vice President for Philanthropy & Engagement provides vision and strategic leadership in directing all fundraising for Texas A&M University-Commerce.  Fosters a culture of philanthropy within the organization to increase on going private and public sector financial support benefiting the University, its students, employees and the foundation.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership necessary to develop and maintain integrated comprehensive internal and external philanthropy and engagement activities for the University. Fund raising activities include but are not limited to annual giving, major gifts, corporate giving, foundation giving, planned giving, special events fundraising, campaigns and related programs.
• Leads staff and volunteers to institutionalize philanthropy and alumni engagement within the organization.
• Plans, coordinates and assures implementation of strategies to develop donors and contributions to support the University.
• Assures development and maintenance of philanthropy and operations including but not limited to volunteer and donor management, alumni engagement, research and cultivation, gift processing and stewardship.
• Maintains accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
• Keeps informed of developments in philanthropy and engagement; informs the President, executive committees, Foundation Board, and Alumni Board of current trends, issues, problems and activities in order to facilitate policy making. Recommends policy positions concerning philanthropy and engagement.
•  Helps develop a balanced funding mix of donor sources and solicitation programs tailored to the needs of the organization that will enable it to attract, retain and motivate donors and fundraising volunteers in alignment with the University Strategic Plan.
• Helps establish performance measures, monitors results and helps the President and Foundation Board evaluate the effectiveness of the organization’s philanthropy and engagement program.
• Serves as chief administrative officer of the Division of Philanthropy and Engagement, which includes its oversight, evaluation, and leadership.
• Supports the Foundation by serving as ex officio Executive Director.
• Monitors Foundation endowment account balances and approves expenditures.
• Serves as the liaison to all campus campaigns and fundraising committees as well as the Foundation Board and any other entities that are established in relation to university advancement efforts.
• Regularly attends and participates in university-wide functions.
• Responsible for achieving all performance goals outlined by the President/CEO regarding this position.
• Ability to travel (approximately 30% of time is spent out of the office. Includes air travel and overnight stays.) Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to prioritize. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years related experience  (OR equivalent combination of education and experience such as Master’s and eight  (8) years of related experience, or a Doctorate and six (6) years of related experience.
• Knowledge / Skills: Proven record of leadership and accomplishment in the field of development. Track record of fundraising success, especially in major gift development and solicitations. Demonstrated experience in marketing, persuasive writing, working directly with volunteers and personal correspondence with donors. Demonstrated understanding of relational fundraising and skill to convincingly articulate needs and goals that motivate potential donors to make gifts. Aptitude and willingness to help build and lead an effective advancement program. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent presentation skills. Strong work ethic, personal integrity and strategic thinking.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: Valid driver’s license required.

 PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) or certification in an appropriate area of specialization. Higher education fundraising experience. Capital campaign experience. Database application experience using Raiser’s Edge. Bilingual Spanish.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

Executive Director of Philanthropy Operations

Senior Director of Principal Giving

Senior Philanthropic Advisor –Dallas

Executive Director of Alumni Engagement

Director of Alumni Engagement

Executive Assistant

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.