Director, Campaign and Prospect Management

Apply now Job no:497577
Position type:full-time
Location:Lewisburg, PA
Categories:Other, University Advancement / Alumni Relations

Bucknell is currently seeking a Director, Campaign and Prospect Management who will provide high-level, essential leadership and management through the silent and public phases of our comprehensive campaign along with leadership for the Prospect Research and Management team.  This new role involves collaborating closely with the fundraising team, managing campaign logistics, streamlining processes, and leveraging data for effective decision-making. The candidate will work in tandem with fundraising professionals and volunteers to ensure campaign success and operational efficiency. This role reports to the AVP, Strategic Philanthropy and will work closely with the Vice President, University Strategy and Advancement, and campaign leadership team to drive growth in fundraising and maximize donor engagement through data-driven business insights, strategic planning, goal setting, prospect development and oversight of the comprehensive campaign. This position is eligible for hybrid work and may require occasional overnight travel. 

We are currently in the silent phase of our campaign, and this role presents an opportunity to help shape the future of the University. We welcome you to consider joining University Advancement’s dynamic team at the start of our growing campaign.  The ideal candidate will be rooted in higher education advancement, with a deep understanding of all the moving pieces involved in a high functioning advancement operation.  They will have significant experience driving decision-making and activity on large-scale projects with revenue targets, the ability to build processes and deliver results on time. 

In this role you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management for all aspects of our comprehensive campaign including tracking towards identified campaign priorities and goals  
  • Monitor and update the campaign plan on completion status of tasks, as well as arrange, collect and analyze data around campaign activities. Ensure schedules are met and deliverables are completed
  • Lead the team to set objectives and priorities; be accountable for managing fundraising targets and overall results
  • Actively assess and manage risks associated with the campaign and introduce responses and mitigations as necessary
• Oversee a comprehensive prospect development strategy aligned with campaign goals and objectives including leadership of the prospect research and management staff
  • Leverage data and analytics to maximize the potential of the prospect pipeline 
  • Participate in direct discussions with University leadership and development directors to identify fundraising and proposal strategies to generate support for University priorities
• Manage an elite national campaign volunteer network of principal-gift level donors, Trustees, and board members with clearly defined roles, relationships and responsibilities
  • Serve as a thought leader, develop best practices and operate at both a strategic and tactical level to deliver data-informed innovation recommendations to help achieve campaign metrics
• Collaborate in crafting and executing communications, engagement programs, and events aligned with campaign objectives and themes. Lead discussions with Advancement leadership and campus partners on campaign progress, activities, and results. 

What we’re looking for someone with:

• Bachelor’s degree and seven years of progressively increasing responsibility in advancement, campaign management, business administration or operations management or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Extensive experience leading decision-making and overseeing operations for large-scale projects with revenue objectives
• Exceptional data analysis, organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently in a fast-paced environment  
• Demonstrated experience interacting with highly placed executives
• High-quality and persuasive written and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading and managing volunteers
• Demonstrated proficiency with CRM databases and capacity to learn new systems
• Inspirational, positive, and energetic leader who can build consensus and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders toward common goals. Demonstrated ability to positively interact with a wide range of individuals and a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness
• Ability to handle sensitive confidential information in a responsible and appropriate manner
• Proactive approach to projects, problem-solving, communication needs, and planning including the ability to manage many competing priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher education campaign experience 
• Personnel management experience 
• Project management certification
• Marketing, advertising or development communications experience in an advancement setting
• Prospect research and management within higher education fundraising
• Advanced degree 

This position (and all positions in our division) requires the occasional evening and weekend work to support university events including Homecoming & Family Weekend, Reunion Weekend, and large Career events. We do ask staff to mark their calendars in advance for these events. 

Additionally, we are looking for exceptional people who will embrace our values:

• Lead with Integrity
• Embrace a Collaborative and Inclusive Spirit
• Be Open and Receptive
• Nurture Creativity and Innovation
• Foster a Culture of Empowerment and Knowledge

University Advancement is here to advance the mission of Bucknell University by engaging the Bucknell community. It is only through the support of alumni, parents and friends – by opening doors to career opportunities, engaging others to join the conversation and community, and entrusting us with their philanthropic commitments – that we can further elevate Bucknell as a leader in undergraduate education. These values illustrate how we bring, as a division, the University's strategic plan to life and exercise our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on a daily basis.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to work in a demanding environment with multiple competing deadlines
Must be able to travel with or without accommodations

Work Type: 

This is a full-time staff exempt benefits eligible position.  

This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.

Application Review:

Candidates will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Please be aware that the University will be closed for winter break from December 16th through January 2nd and that communication with candidates will be limited during this time. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Salary Range:

This is a staff exempt position with a hiring range of $106,800-133,500 (E15).  The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

Benefits: 

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
- flexible scheduling options determined by role;
- medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
- an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
- generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
- full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
- a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
- a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card 

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here ! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community.  We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings.  We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

About Bucknell

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 60 majors and 70 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,700 undergraduate and 30 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors on scholarly and artistic projects.

Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its undergraduate students. Student life is vibrant with about 200 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletics teams, a robust arts culture, and a commitment among many of the students to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Community

Lewisburg (pop. 5,700) is located in central Pennsylvania and features beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. It is the seat of Union County, which has about 44,000 residents.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is within a three-hour drive of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School consistently ranks among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.

Advertised:08 Dec 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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