Careers at Virginia Tech

The Director of Major Gifts at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC), a part of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, will solicit philanthropic gifts from grateful clients, friends of EMC, and alumni of Virginia Tech who align with the Center's strategic priorities. This highly motivated professional will be involved with the planning and implementation of the Center's major gift fund raising efforts in support of current operations, endowment, capital, and other priorities from private sources. They will fulfill the duties under the direction of VMCVM in close cooperation with the University's central advancement office.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Advancement for the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, the Director of Major Gifts will:
- Assist with fundraising and engagement activities for the EMC within designated time frames
- Cultivate, solicit, steward, and identify prospects for the EMC
- Have a portfolio of between 75 and 100 prospects
- Have typical solicitation ranges of $250,000 to $1,000,000
- Close $3,000,000 per year using a three-year rolling average
- Close on average 10 to13 gifts per fiscal year
- Provide strategic direction and coordination of the EMC Advisory Council
- Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and engagement strategies which include building, managing, and soliciting a portfolio of major gift prospects and the broader EMC community
- Establish strong working relationships with central advancement, collegiate and constituent development officers and the College staff to foster a productive work environment
- Work closely with the Assistant Dean of Advancement of VMCVM, Director of the EMC, Dean of VMCVM, faculty, residents, farriers, as well as staff of EMC and VMCVM to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies in support of their programs.

Regional and national travel is required for the purposes of conducting field research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, which may include overnights and weekends. The director must have the ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation. Additionally, the ability to work nights and weekends, and participation in college or university programs when possible is necessary.

Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with experience equating to an advanced degree.

Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales/marketing, advertising, public relations, communications or a related field.

Willingness to travel on a frequent basis.

Demonstrated professionalism, with strong communication skills and be capable of motivating volunteers as well as donors.

Self-motivated and have the ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.

Ability to develop and implement strategies with increasing complexity.

Demonstrated successful track record in fund raising.

Experience with volunteer board management.

Preference given to candidates with experience in higher education fundraising.

Proven success in building productive, relationships with senior administrators, key business leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers, and/or donors.

Previous major gifts experience working with progressively complex strategies.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$90,000 - $100,000

40+

June 10, 2025

Uncommon Work Schedule – (Rotating Shifts, Weekend, Nights)

Unable to sponsor work visas

Safe driving record

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.