What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Strategy position at IONA UNIVERSITY?
Position Summary
Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Strategy (AVP) serves as a senior member of the Iona University Advancement team. The AVP will partner with the VP and other University leadership to design and implement systems and processes aimed at increasing philanthropic support of Iona. The AVP will also build and manage a medium sized portfolio of donors with capacity to make commitments of $75,000 or above.
Responsibilities
As a senior member of the Advancement team, plan and implement fundraising strategies, with an emphasis on identifying and cultivating the next generation of major donors to Iona University. Provide leadership and direction, fostering a positive culture rooted in service, persistence, and collaboration.
Major Gift Portfolio
Build and manage a portfolio of 40 to 50 prospects with capacity to make commitments of $75,000 and above. Meet and exceed accountability measures in annual qualifications, solicitations, meetings, and dollars raised.
Strategic Leadership
Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic partner driving initiatives and innovation aimed at increased giving to Iona University, specifically at the major gift level.
In partnership with the VP, identify and implement accountability metrics across the team. Through continuous evaluation, refine these measures as aligned with current priorities of University Advancement.
Oversee and optimize certain functional areas of the Advancement operation, such as prospect research and stewardship.
Support the Alumni Engagement team in the planning and execution of key annual initiatives, such as Homecoming Weekend and other hallmark events. Evaluate these events seeking opportunities to improve effectiveness and return.
Identify areas of opportunity where collaboration across campus verticals, or where strategic investment, could lead to increased philanthropy.
Other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing a major gift portfolio and leading fundraising initiatives within a high-functioning organization of philanthropy. Institutions of higher education a plus.
- A familiarity with the mission, profile, and history of Iona University, and an understanding of fundraising at a Catholic institution of higher education.
- Demonstrated success closing gifts of $75,000 and above; and stewarding those contributors who have made major gifts towards their next commitment.
- Proven ability to increase a major donor base through great discovery and qualification work; both within own portfolio and through implementing qualification strategies across a team.
- Experience evaluating events and alumni engagement initiatives, investing in those that are effective and discontinuing or revising those that are not.
- Deep understanding of prospect mapping and relationship building with prospects, aimed at closing major gifts. Willingness to mentor other Iona fundraisers and team members on these strategies.
- Ability to understand and communicate clearly the current priorities of the University to donors throughout the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process.
- Knowledge and experience cultivating and closing major gifts from specific affinity groups, including but not limited to parents of current students, the Performing Arts, and in support of Athletics.
- Understanding of fundraising accountability metrics implementation, specifically lead and lag measure goal setting, and a desire to help drive accountability measures within UA.
- Proven ability to set priorities, be innovative, and challenge the status quo.
- Demonstrates a positive energy, maturity and a senior presence, and is a great teammate
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About Iona/EEO Statement:
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona is a growing, highly accredited institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, with campuses in New Rochelle, Bronxville, and a new location in County Mayo, Ireland. With over 4,000 students, Iona offers small classes, engaged faculty, and a wide range of programs across the School of Arts & Science, the LaPenta School of Business (AACSB‑accredited), the NewYork‑Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Recognized by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report, Iona is nationally ranked for academic quality, social mobility, and long‑term return on investment. The University’s continued growth and rising reputation reflect its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, service, and opportunity.
Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants for employment. Iona is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered free from discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.
Salary : $75,000