Associate Director of Advancement – Global Research Institute

Unit Mission Statement

Through our efforts to build a robust and inclusive culture of engagement and philanthropy, University Advancement strengthens connections between William & Mary and our vibrant community to ensure that the university and its people thrive for all time coming. By fostering lifelong relationships and creating meaningful opportunities, the team enriches the quality of the William & Mary experience and propels the university forward to address the most pressing needs of our time.

W&M’s Global Research Institute empowers teams of students and faculty to make a difference in the world. We are a multidisciplinary hub that brings together academics, practitioners, and students to apply research to real world issues.

Consistent with the university’s shared services agreement with the William & Mary Foundation (WMF), this position is assigned 5% effort to support WMF with the responsibilities outlined below.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Advancement, Global Research Institute (GRI), is the chief fundraiser for GRI at William & Mary. Since the Institute’s founding in 2008, over 50 unique external partners have invested more than $70 million in GRI. Today, more than 60 faculty and staff and over 200 students conduct applied research with project collaborators such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of NY, the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, the World Bank, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, the United Nations, among others.

The Associate Director reports jointly to the Executive Director of Regional Advancement and to the Director of GRI and collaborates extensively with university leadership, faculty across campus, and advancement colleagues, to support GRI leadership, staff and faculty. The Regional Advancement Team is part of the greater University Advancement office at William & Mary.

The Associate Director will, in collaboration with the Director of GRI, assist in setting the strategic direction and lead a comprehensive development program for W&M’s GRI including fundraising, engagement, stewardship and corporate and foundation engagement.

The Associate Director will implement donor-centric advancement strategies designed to engage major gift prospects in the continental United States, some of whom have multiple philanthropic interests at William & Mary, in support of the GRI’s fundraising priorities. This position will take a lead role in researching, planning and implementing engagement and fundraising activities for GRI.

The Associate Director will lead the development of a robust major gift portfolio, managing 125-150 prospects, with one-on-one cultivation activities and solicitations of gifts on behalf of GRI, often in close coordination with gift officers across campus who already act as the primary contacts for the donors. The Associate Director will serve as an integral member of the GRI staff and is expected to be an active participant in the GRI community, including attending events and engaging with faculty and students, as well as a champion for diversity and equity as William & Mary builds on its success and continues planning for its next campaign. This position is based in Williamsburg and is expected to work in the office on campus, eligible to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Please review the full position description with all job duties on the University Advancement website. https://advancement.wm.edu/come-work-with-us/open-positions/index.php

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, including, but not limited to, collaboration, staffing and programming.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to draft compelling proposals.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple relationships and tasks concurrently with fluidity. 
• Experience soliciting/closing major gifts in a higher education or non-profit setting. Equivalent experience in sales or a related field will be considered (typically 3 years).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (preferably a Master’s degree in international relations, business or other related field).
• Familiarity with CRM databases, preferably Blackbaud CRM
• Strong working knowledge of and/or experience in global affairs.
• Substantive and progressively responsible knowledge and experience in academic fundraising or a related field (typically 5 years).

Application Instructions

Candidates must apply via the William & Mary Employment Opportunities portal. For more details and to apply, please visit the position listing at https://jobs.wm.edu/postings/49187. Click Apply for this Job to apply with your resume and cover letter

Conditions of Employment

This position requires additional hours beyond the typical work week, to include evenings and weekends as needed. Must have the ability to travel extensively. This position is based in Williamsburg, VA. Equal

Employment Opportunity Statement

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The College is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.