Executive Director of Advancement, Brown School - University Advancement

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The executive director position offers an opportunity for a strategic and collaborative advancement professional to lead a team within University Advancement at Washington University focused on the Brown School. The Brown School has a rich tradition of excellence in social work, public health, and social policy, where passionate students, innovative faculty, and committed staff collaborate on problem-solving research and advancing interdisciplinary scholarship.

The executive director will work directly with academic leaders to set short- and long-term priorities and strategies for advancement operations, and will collaborate with University Advancement colleagues to execute established strategies. The executive director will also work closely with key volunteers and faculty to increase engagement with and philanthropic support for Washington University. The executive director will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and partner closely with the University Leadership and University Advancement senior leadership team.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead team as UA Ambassador to the schools and programs focused on the Brown School. Staff leadership for meetings and events locally and out of town as needed. Establish and maintain strong and effective working relationships with campus unit leaders and serve on the dean’s cabinet and committees. Oversee engagement strategy for boards and committees. Responsible for progress reporting and troubleshooting. Advise dean and university leaders on fundraising strategies and meeting preparation.
• Manage unit goals and oversee key priorities and prospect pool. Develop detailed knowledge of key program priorities and the University priorities that align with them. Manage campaign initiatives and gift tables, in partnership with the Campaign Initiatives and Engagement team. Develop unit-based goals annually and broadly for the campaign. Manage the list of top prospects. Present unit specific funding opportunities, either in writing or in conversation, and partner with colleagues on the development of formal proposals.
• Manage a team of staff supporting the Brown School, including setting clear performance goals, providing mentorship, guidance, and regular feedback. Develop and manage budgets for unit activity. Develop and manage annual operational plans.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all opportunities in related to the Brown School. Partner with gift officers to ensure they have effective school and program-based strategies for gift opportunities. Support unit-based training for gift officers. Serve as liaison for principal gift activity.
• Manage relationships for units across University Advancement. Drive accountability for agreed-upon goals and deliverables. Navigate and manage the development of gift agreements and donor expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experienced fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record as fundraiser, manager, and strategist.
• Experience with progressively responsible management positions, preferably in a higher education or related fundraising environment.
• Record of significant achievement in the area of major gifts and demonstrated skill in developing sophisticated strategies for planning, implementing, and administering complex gift situations.
• Ability to work successfully with administration, faculty, and volunteers as appropriate to secure gifts for the University and its various schools and programs.
• Develop detailed knowledge of key school/program priorities and the University priorities that align with them.
• Manage campaign initiatives and gift tables.
• Develop School/ Unit based goals annually and broadly for the campaign.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Eight years of related experience.

Grade

G00

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.