Assistant Vice President for Development Operations

Villanova University, United States

Updated: 25 days ago
Location: Villanova, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)


Posting Number: 20243897S
Position Title: Assistant Vice President for Development Operations
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.
The Assistant Vice President for Development Operations (AVP) is responsible for leadership of the University’s development operations including advancement services, prospect research, business intelligence, gift and pledge processing, prospect management, and CRM operations. The AVP will serve as the department leader for understanding all technology systems and software utilized by the Advancement team, how those systems integrate, any limitations the systems may have and will continually look for new solutions to better support all fundraising goals and initiatives within the department. The AVP will work closely with Villanova’s Information Technology department (UNIT) to ensure all systems utilized by Advancement are properly maintained and enhanced to support the fundraising goals of the University. A key to success in this role will be the ability to build and lead a team that is collaborative, accountable to one another, and motivated to enhance and optimize their job functions. The AVP will serve as a member of Advancement’s Leadership Team under the direction of the Vice President. As such, the AVP must be comfortable interacting and working as member of a team and must be capable of contributing effectively to the discussion, analysis, and resolution of strategic issues as well as be capable of working effectively with various constituencies and balancing competing priorities.
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:
  • Provide leadership of and managerial oversight for day-to-day operations of all areas supervised. Establish appropriate policies and procedures for managing and deploying support services to facilitate and sustain fundraising productivity. Work closely with the Vice President for University Advancement and the four other AVPs on the Leadership Team to help coordinate and execute a unified, balanced development strategy, including the formulation of multi-year plans, goals and objectives.
  • In partnership with the Directors of Development and other department leaders coordinate and implement initiatives to ensure accurate data collection and real-time reporting to ensure the success of the University’s capital campaign and annual fundraising progress.
  • Create and institutionalize processes, reports and other tools to set individual and departmental goals and monitor relevant benchmarks to ensure appropriate staff accountability. Monitor and mentor direct and indirect reports to ensure continued professional growth and success. Ensure that staff are motivated, focused and supported in their work. Foster an environment that brings out the best in each member of the staff, supports individuals in their professional growth, and reinforces the value of teamwork. Contribute to an overall work environment in which openness and candor are keys to success, and mutual respect is a guiding principal.
  • Develop and maintain policies and procedures in collaboration with key University staff within departments such as UNIT, Internal Audit and Finance to ensure the Advancement policies are in line with overall University protocols.
  • Perform other duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Seven or more years of successful and progressively responsible leadership experience in the development field required.
  • In-depth knowledge of operations management, including prospect management, research, and advancement support services.
  • A deep appreciation for the educational mission and aspirations of Villanova University is required, as well as a desire to play a meaningful role in the University community and to share in the community’s enthusiastic commitment to the institution.
  • An approach to management that yields pride, ownership, and open communication among staff is required.
  • Excellent organizational, leadership, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills required.
  • Both strategic and operational thinking, as well as organizational communication abilities are also a necessity.
  • Outstanding leadership qualities are necessary for success.
  • Ability to interact effectively and productively with all levels of staff at the University required.
  • Diplomacy, tact and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality required.
  • Superior communication skills; the ability to understand and translate information for all audiences; clarity, crispness and effectiveness in written and oral presentation required.
  • Proven skills as a strategist with the ability to articulate a vision for the future and to build and institutionalize an organization capable of fulfilling that vision.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience in higher education and within the campaign environment is highly desirable.
  • Experience with Banner, Salesforce, Cognos, PowerBI and database management.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Evening and weekend commitments required on a regular basis. Ability to travel required.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 01/26/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: L
Job Classification: exempt

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