University Advancement - Executive Director of Advancement & Corporate Relations, Welch College of Business &Technology

Sacred Heart University

  • Fairfield, CT
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 16 days ago
University Advancement - Executive Director of Advancement & Corporate Relations, Welch College of Business &Technology3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States of America Req #141Monday, January 22, 2024As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.eduPosition SummaryThe Executive Director of University Advancement & Corporate Relations – Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT) will drive the strategy and growth of a development program to support its entrepreneurial and fast-growing business program and work to secure individual and corporate philanthropy for the University and its Colleges & Schools. S/he will serve as a chief frontline fundraiser, building and maintaining key relationships with alumni, parents, and other key constituencies, primarily focusing on the people and programs in the Welch College of Business & Technology. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President of Major & Planned Giving and has the responsibility for raising philanthropic resources through the Major Gifts and Corporate Relations programs.Principal Duties & Responsibilities
  • Build out a robust donor pipeline for the Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT) that focuses on alumni, parents, corporations, and other principal and major giving prospects in all phases of the donor lifecycle (discovery, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
  • Identify corporate prospects and conduct research to determine interest and giving potential. Cultivate and lead the solicitation of corporate partners for five- and six-figure plus, multi-year philanthropic partnerships and relationships.
  • Engage and support the Dean of the Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT) in key donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, including activities with the WCBT Board of Visitors.
  • Prioritize a combination of face-to-face visit outreach in addition to other mediums (e.g., phone, email, snail, video conferencing, etc.) with qualified alumni, parents, corporations, and friends.
  • Build, manage, and lead a portfolio of 162+ alumni high-net worth individuals and corporations.
  • In concert with the Dean of the WCBT, create and lead a college-based business leaders advisory board (e.g., Board of Visitors) with all constituencies represented.
  • Identify new and creative opportunities for corporate partnerships and support. Devise and facilitate strategies for securing philanthropic resources. Ensure that proposals are submitted on time and follow up proactively on pending proposal opportunities.
  • Support the Dean of the Welch College of Business & Technology along with the Senior Vice President of University Advancement in identifying and developing strategic philanthropic fundraising needs and opportunities for WCBT.
  • Report regular progress against strategic and operational goals (e.g., OKRs), including donor engagement and stewardship touchpoints, philanthropic revenue and moves management targets, and pipeline management details.
  • Draft letters, proposals, reports, case material, briefings, acknowledgments, and other appropriate materials in support of the major gifts program in the WCBT and the University's corporate relations program.
  • Represent the University at events and constituent gatherings, as appropriate.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Vice President of University Advancement and the Assistant Vice President of Major & Planned Giving.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes
  • Understanding and ability to articulate the values and mission of Sacred Heart University.
  • At least 10 years of demonstrated successful fundraising experience (preferably in a higher education setting).
  • Experience building a major gifts program in a school or college setting.
  • Success in implementing a long-term fundraising strategy that is donor-centered.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including alumni, university leaders, volunteers, and donors.
  • A strategic and entrepreneurial self-starter with a strong work ethic who is conscientious, attentive to detail, and results oriented.
  • A collegial team player with a proven ability to work collaboratively at all levels.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Extensive travel and work some nights and weekends.
  • Evidence of successful oral and written communication skills. Must have a high level of comfort in presenting to diverse audiences and speaking in public.
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
  • Knowledge of Blackbaud’s Raisers Edge or other advancement CRM is a plus.
Unusual Working ConditionsExtensive travel, as well as evening and weekend hours, should be expected.Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.

Sacred Heart University