Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast

Villanova University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Villanova, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)


Posting Number: 20233865S
Position Title: Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 604 - University Advancement
Position Summary:
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?

  • Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
  • Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
  • We believe that an inclusive community fosters an understanding and appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty, staff and administrators. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to address issues of equity and justice in a variety of ways including workshops, events and employee resource groups
  • Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .


Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we prepare for Villanova’s next comprehensive capital campaign.
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Major Giving for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, the Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast serves as a front-line fundraiser and member of the University’s regional based fundraising team and is responsible for establishing and managing effective relationships with varied prospects and existing donors.
The Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast will identify and qualify potential donors, and design and implement successful cultivation and solicitation strategies. The Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast will solicit prospects and identify and motivate those alumni, faculty, volunteers, and friends who can advance the Advancement function of the University in support of the Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless. The Assistant Director, Southeast is expected to conduct 12-14 prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 125 prospects with a gift capacity of $100,000+. The portfolio will be primarily based in Florida with expected travel to other regions within the Southeast region.
This position will assist the Senior Director in enhancing the successful fundraising program in the Southeast within the context of Villanova University’s overall fundraising efforts. The Assistant Director will assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects in conjunction with the Director of Stewardship. The incumbent will also support prospect engagement and involvement efforts related to cultivation and fundraising events in the Southeast region. This position will be located in Florida (Naples or Palm Beach).
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Identify and manage a portfolio of at least 125 prospects which includes primarily alumni and some parents. Establish and manage effective relationships with portfolio prospects and donors; conduct 12-14 prospect visits monthly and assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects.
  • Plan and implement prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies using work and stewardship plans; identify and evaluate potential donors from available research, peer screenings, and event participation. Report results to Sr. Director of Major Giving and develop outreach plan.
  • Support prospect engagement and involvement efforts for University-wide events and programs taking place in the Southeast. Be a point of contact for Florida-based constituents to engage in the life of the University; encourage participation in activities and evaluate potential for development involvement. In conjunction with the Sr. Director of Major Giving, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, provide support to the Southeast campaign committee and regional campaign volunteer management.
  • In conjunction with the Sr. Director of Major Giving, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast assist in coordinating development activities.
  • Perform additional duties and assist with special projects and events as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Three to five years of experience as a frontline fundraiser in higher education or non-profit sector.
  • Proven successful experience in individual fundraising or related sales/business development experience required.
  • Experience dealing with major gift prospects required, preferably in the field of higher education and/or within the Florida non-profit philanthropic community.
  • Commitment to the principles behind higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission expected.
  • Understanding of the University culture and ability to work within a multi-layered management system required.
  • Ability and willingness to travel required.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills required.
  • Must be well organized and detail oriented.
  • The incumbent must be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment, as well as a disciplined self-starter who is results-oriented.
  • Knowledge of general office equipment, including use of laptop computers, printers required.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • A minimum of two years working with major and/or principle gifts preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Regular travel to the Philadelphia-area expected. Occasional evening and weekend work and travel required.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 11/16/2023
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: J
Job Classification: exempt

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