Executive Director, ASU Foundations

About Albany State University Foundation

The Albany State University Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is an indispensable partner in the fulfillment of the University’s mission. The Foundation is exclusively dedicated to securing and stewarding private resources to propel the strategic priorities of Albany State University, securing its long-term financial future and capacity for innovation. The Foundation provides scholarships, strengthens institutional programs, and creates opportunities for students to succeed. Our mission is to transform lives through education and philanthropy.

The Foundation’s work is strategically focused on five core pillars that create pathways to success for the ASU community:

• Scholarships - providing critical financial access for deserving students.
• Endowment Growth - building a sustainable financial bedrock for future generations.
• Institutional Enrichment - funding programs that elevate the academic and student experience.
• Faculty/Staff Development - investing in the intellectual capital of the University.
• Operational Excellence - ensuring the highest standards of stewardship and impact.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as both strategist and operator, a leader capable of architecting a multi-year vision for philanthropic growth while commanding the granular details of foundation management and compliance. This synthesis of high-level strategy and rigorous operational command is essential for driving the Foundation’s success and impact.

As the chief advancement officer for the Foundation, the Executive Director holds ultimate responsibility for all operations, leading key initiatives such as comprehensive capital campaigns and ensuring all activities are in lockstep with ASU’s mission and financial objectives. Success in this role is predicated on deep collaboration and strategic partnership with key university leaders, including the Chief University Growth Officer, the Chief Business Officer, and the Advancement & Alumni Affairs team. This position serves as the central architect of the University's fundraising and engagement strategy, responsible for translating broad institutional ambitions into tangible, high-impact results. In addition, this leadership role will create the strategy and drive the execution of establishing other relevant foundations for the University.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Advancement

• Architect and drive a visionary, long-term advancement strategy that is inextricably linked to ASU’s mission, capitalizing on philanthropic opportunities to secure the university’s financial future.
• Partner with University Advancement leadership to establish and execute institution-wide fundraising priorities.
• Guide the Foundation Board in its strategic planning, mission development, and articulation of a compelling and urgent case for support.
• Oversee and serve as the principal representative for the Foundation at major University events, leveraging critical touchpoints such as Homecoming, Commencement, and Founder's Day to advance donor and alumni engagement.

Fundraising & Philanthropic Growth

• Proactively identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with key donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations to secure major gifts, and other philanthropic investments.
• Directly manage a portfolio of the Foundation’s top 50 donors and prospects, personally conducting annual visits and solicitations to secure leadership support for university priorities.
• Conduct and oversee a sophisticated planned giving program to build a powerful pipeline for future support.
• Ensure the integrity and strategic use of the donor database to inform strategy and drive all fundraising efforts.

Financial Stewardship & Operational Excellence

• In partnership with the Foundation Board, provide rigorous financial oversight, including budget management, investment and endowment management, and ensuring unwavering compliance with all federal and state laws governing 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
• Guarantee that all gifts and endowments are meticulously administered according to donor intent, scholarship criteria, and institutional investment policies, maintaining the highest standards of trust and accountability.
• Work in close partnership with ASU’s financial aid and fiscal affairs offices to seamlessly award scholarships and address student funding needs, ensuring philanthropic support is directly and efficiently applied.
• Oversee the preparation of all necessary financial reports, audit reports, statistical analyses for external agencies, and the documentation required for annual tax returns.

Stakeholder Engagement & Board Relations

• Cultivate meaningful, lifelong connections with ASU alumni worldwide.
• Design and implement programs and signature events that keep alumni actively involved and foster a vibrant culture of philanthropic support for their alma mater.
• Strengthen relationships with community leaders, business partners, and the University System of Georgia to enhance financial support, forge strategic alliances, and elevate public awareness and advocacy for ASU.
• Actively support and empower the Foundation Board by providing monthly progress reports, leading Board member recruitment and training, and equipping Board members to participate effectively in high-level solicitation and fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, higher education administration, or related field required. Doctorate preferred.
• Minimum of seven (8) years of progressive leadership experience in institutional advancement, fundraising, or foundation management, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proven success in securing major gifts and leading large-scale fundraising campaigns.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in investment and endowment management.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic leadership with the ability to inspire and manage teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification is preferred.

Why Join ASU Foundation?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by connecting donor generosity with student success. The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Albany State University and creating life-changing opportunities for students.

Albany State University offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment committed to professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Albany State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, working, and studying. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the ASU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the ASU community.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Albany State University Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026. For individuals requiring disability-related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 229-500-3442.