Job location: Charlottesville, VA

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2020-01-22
Req: R0012369

The Opportunity

The University of Virginia School of Nursing (SON) aims to improve the health of individuals and communities, both locally and globally, through leadership and excellence in education, research, practice, and service. Ranked among the top 4% of nursing schools, and Virginia's only nursing program to be ranked in the top 25 (US News 2020), known for its pioneering work in interprofessional education and compassionate care, and lauded for its healthy work environment, educational traditions, and inclusivity, our SON is home to nine key regional and national nursing organization presidents and immediate past presidents, one of two top nursing history centers in the world, a rich variety of nursing scholarship, and a site where nurse innovators are supported by a dynamic Dean.

The Executive Director, School of Nursing (EDSON) leads the five-person SON Alumni & Development (SONADO) team that has a two-fold mission of fundraising and alumni engagement. The SONADO team is charged with raising $75 million towards the University’s overall $5 billion goal by June 2025. The EDSON is the lead fundraiser for the SON and will work closely with the Dean on defining initiatives and managing a major and principal gift portfolio. They are responsible for managing the SON Advisory Board, a highly engaged volunteer group dedicated to fundraising, by staffing the board chair and dean and collaborating on vision and strategy. They are also responsible for setting annual and campaign fundraising goals, overseeing the strategy and activity to achieve them, and being accountable for development outcomes. The EDSON serves on the School of Nursing Dean’s Council and ensures that development initiatives and the SONADO team’s work are fully aligned with the priorities of the SON. The SONADO team includes: Associate Director of Donor Relations and Operations, Assistant Director for Annual Giving, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Communications, and Development Associate. Reporting to the Associate VP for Development, the EDSON will play a key leadership role in the Health System Development Office (HSDO) at UVA.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Develop and manage SONADO team through effective recruitment, motivation, and staff development.
• Articulate clear performance expectations and metrics and ensure that team members have the resources needed to be successful.
• Work closely with the Dean and HSDO leadership to define fundraising goals and strategy in a campaign environment.
• Serve on the SON Dean's Council.
• Manage a volunteer Advisory Board.

Fundraising

• Serve as primary fundraiser, managing a major and principal gift portfolio.
• Work collaboratively with HSDO colleagues and advancement professionals across the University to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors.
• Work closely with the Dean, staffing development visits and travel.

Candidate Profile

The University seeks an energetic and charismatic leader with a strong affinity for the mission and values of the School of Nursing and the University of Virginia. Strong candidates will have the ability to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors while fostering existing relationships. Preferred candidates will have previous experience fundraising within higher education or a healthcare setting. They will demonstrate entrepreneurship and creativity in identifying prospects. Compelling candidates will have the desire to establish a foundation of excellence and will possess a proven record of meeting and exceeding goals. They will also have demonstrated leadership skills and be able to articulate clear goals and responsibilities and provide feedback to support individual accountability.

Professional Experience

• At least 7 years of experience with a proven record of successful fundraising in a higher education or healthcare setting.
• Personal track record of success in reaching and exceeding fundraising goals.
• Previous experience drafting persuasive and succinct major gift proposals.
• Excellent administrative skills, including project management, organization, delegation and prioritization.
• Proven ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize and motivate a development team to achieve fundraising goals.
• Experience motivating and collaborating successfully with volunteers.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

Interpersonal Characteristics

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop relationships of trust and respect with staff, alumni, faculty, volunteers, and donors.
• The UVA School of Nursing has been actively engaged in IDEA our Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence Achievement initiative. We are deeply committed to developing a community that is inclusive, respectful, and considers diversity to be a key part of our excellence. We seek applicants whose experience has prepared them to substantially contribute to this mission.

Education

• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Applications should include a resume and cover letter. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality; candidates will be notified before references are contacted.

For confidential inquiries or to nominate someone for this opportunity, please contact AJ Davidson, Senior Search Consultant with the University of Virginia’s Executive Search Group, at ajh2d@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System and the University Physician’s Group are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.