Assistant Vice President for Advancement

Assistant Vice President for University Advancement

Holy Family University’s Office of Advancement is undergoing exciting changes under the leadership of the new Vice President for Advancement, who recently joined the  University. 

This new organizational structure aligns with the strategic plan and will build upon prior successes, creating an advancement program focused on nurturing lifelong relationships with Holy Family alumni and friends and developing rewarding partnerships that result in increased philanthropic giving for the University. 

 We are seeking an Assistant Vice President for University Advancement (AVP) for who will play a key role in partnering with the Vice President in expanding the Advancement team and building a sustainable culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement that will strengthen Holy Family University and secure its legacy for the future. 

 As a member of the leadership team, the AVP provides strategic direction and oversight of the programs in annual, major and planned giving, alumni relations, donor relations and prospect management. Working collaboratively with the VP, the AVP will develop, implement and achieve strategic plans for increasing alumni engagement, growing the annual and major giving programs and increasing philanthropic support for University’s priorities. Emphasis will be on recruiting, training and managing the team to ensure progress towards goals.

Leading by example, the AVP will also effectively manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and work with colleagues within UA and across the University in creating and implementing strategies designed to further loyalty, engagement and financial support of Holy Family. 

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, innovative and strategic thinker with a strong track record in major gift fundraising and managing high performing advancement teams.

Employees must understand the mission of Catholic Higher education and be committed to the core values, mission, goals, and objectives of Holy Family University.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction for building a best-practices major giving program in collaboration with the VP and advancement colleagues.
• With the VP, develop a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and alumni engagement strategy and plan for University Advancement that is aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Design, lead, and execute on annual goals and objectives, budgets, and staffing for the following programs: Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Major and Planned Giving and Donor Relations and Prospect Management. Manage direct reports and team to achieve agreed upon annual performance metrics and fundraising goals.
• Work with the Vice President and Director of Donor Relations and Prospect Management to ensure a robust major gift prospect pool, distributed among staff to ensure maximum fundraising opportunity and success.
• With the Director of Annual Giving, oversee the execution of a robust direct marketing program by using targeted solicitations across all channels for donor acquisition, renewal and retention.
• With the Director of Alumni Relations, develop a strategic alumni relations program to expand the University’s engagement with a greater number of alumni, friends and parents using a multi-channel approach through digital, print and in-person programs.
• Maintain a portfolio to Identify, cultivate, and solicit a select group of 30-40 major gift prospects.
• Coordinate the participation of faculty, administration, trustees, volunteers, and development staff in achieving fundraising objectives.
• Build effective collaborations across the department and the University overall.
• Effectively communicate Holy Family University's values and mission.
• Contribute to a culture of best fundraising practices in advancement and building a robust culture of philanthropy at Holy Family University.

 Minimum recruiting standards:

• Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of advancement experience; experience in higher education highly preferred.
• Track record of significant personal success as a major gift fundraiser.
• Demonstrated success managing advancement teams using best-practices.

 Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Leadership skills that are collaborative and inclusive.
• The ability to foster an empowered, inspired and positive culture for all team members.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Superb organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work independently as well collaboratively with team members.
• Comprehensive knowledge of strategies employed in all advancement functions.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow university policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the campus community.
• Commitment to the mission and core values of Holy Family University.

 Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  To apply, submit resume and cover letter to careers@holyfamily.edu. A cover letter is required for consideration.

Holy Family University seeks to foster an inclusive and healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. The University prohibits harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and bias incidents in any form, including, but not limited to, those based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws, in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies and practices, financial aid programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered activities and rights and privileges generally accorded or made available to employees and students at the University. Holy Family University complies with Title IX of the U.S. Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Holy Family University is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity and inclusion in its education programs.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to the application, and/or interview process should notify Human Resources at hr@holyfamily.edu.