Executive Director for University Advancement Operations

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director for University Advancement Operations supports, creates, implements, and manages processes for the Vice President of University Advancement (VPUA) and University Advancement (UA) department. This position works to promote the vision and mission of IWU through communication and operations of University Advancement by coordinating Advancement Services, Alumni, Church & Parent Relations, and Development efforts.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

The Executive Director for University Advancement Operations reports to the Vice President for University Advancement.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Possess an earned bachelor’s degree required; an earned graduate degree preferred

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage strategy:
  • Annually work with the VPUA to develop and implement a plan that outlines all strategies and tactics with aggressive but realistic measurable objectives for areas of Advancement Operations that align with those for University Advancement. Ensure measurable objectives can be accounted on a monthly basis.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director for Development and the Executive Director for University Relations to assure Advancement Operations strategies and processes align with overall University Advancement strategies and department objectives.
  • Participate in bimonthly meetings of the University Advancement Leadership Team to communicate IWU and University Advancement news and information and review University Advancement strategy performance and discuss tactical changes, if any, to meet or exceed expectations.
  • Work with the VPUA to manage internal and external campaign committee meetings; delegate and follow-up on related projects and tasks.
  • Serve as a liaison to communication consultants, overseeing the process of developing the comprehensive campaign’s formal identity and theme and communicating the campaign brand both internally and externally.
  • Give oversight and direction for all Advancement Services activity, including donor stewardship, acknowledgement, and research.
  • Ensure all advancement communication aligns with the strategies of University Advancement.
  • Oversee all budgets under Advancement Operations. Hold accountable Advancement Operations staff to properly manage budget units within their area on a monthly basis. Manage and adjust budgets annually and/or as directed by VPUA.
  • Oversee management of donor files and database structure, understanding the best means for data extraction to make the work of the development team members more efficient and effective.
  • Monitor the data related to all gift officer related activity; analyze donor base and donor engagement activity in an effort to support the development team and maximize team efforts in the discovery, engagement, proposal, closure, and stewardship phases of development.
  • Oversee special projects as assigned by the VPUA.
• Manage team:
  • Hire, orient, train, coach, and account for performance of Advancement Operations personnel, building a culture of performance where each team member is inspired to achieve her or his highest potential and encourages her or his colleagues to do likewise.
  • Develop, implement, direct and oversee position objectives, strategies and tactics for Advancement Operations staff. Create measurable goals for each position and track progress on a monthly and annual basis.
  • Coach staff individually and collectively in pursuing solutions to performance issues. Creatively reward consistently good performance and teamwork. Proactively develop plans for chronically poor performance or team disruption.
  • Oversee efforts of the Advancement Services team by working closely with the director to ensure that all unit functions are operating at a highly effective level.
• Work with assigned stakeholders:
  • Manage a portfolio of 20-25 key community leaders and donors. Annually develop and implement a creative engagement plan for each stakeholder that will deepen and broaden their appreciation for an IWU education plan that outlines strategies with aggressive but realistic measurable objectives for each individual. Utilize key university officials and other centers of influence in fulfilling objectives. Orchestrate meaningful connections of key stakeholders with VPUA, administrators, faculty, coaches, staff and students.
  • Collaborate with UA team in creating, implementing, managing and accessing strategic events, use of print and electronic collateral and engagement in professional training and development opportunities.
• Stay Connected to IWU:
  • Participate regularly in IWU and UA events to understand the community, culture, and expectations of internal and external constituents.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive spirit among UA team and the IWU community.
  • Exhibit IWU and UA values of Christlikeness, commitment, leadership, service, stewardship, innovation and diversity.
  • Attend training seminars and conferences as required for continuing education in the field of communication and operations management.
  • Customer service: display highest level of professionalism with donors, guests, constituents, and students; go the extra mile to deliver service and communications with excellence.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

The Executive Director for University Advancement Operations gives direct supervision to the Director of Advancement Services and oversight to Advancement Services operations and other directors who are responsible for operational aspects of UA.

QUALIFICATIONS:

According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Experience:

Possess 5 – 7 years of experience managing budgets, project and operations management, and data reporting

Required Skills:

• Demonstrate ability to work with colleagues who represent a diversity of work and conflict resolution style
• Demonstrate an understanding of the features of various fundraising efforts, donor expectations, and delivering quality communication through various platforms
• Exhibit the ability to lead a team and inspire its highest level of performance.
• Demonstrate exceptional writing and interpersonal skills

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. In addition, nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Indiana Wesleyan University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Accordingly, the University affords equal opportunity to all employees and prospective employees without regard to race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

These have access to all the rights, privileges, and programs generally made available to employees at the University. It does not discriminate in the administration of its policies, programs, nor during any phase of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, treatment during employment, rates of pay or other compensation, and termination of employment.

As an educational institution operating under The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University reserves and exercises its privileges under applicable law to prefer employees on the basis of religion and who are best suited to its religious purpose.