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Department Summary: The mission of VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders with the institution, working in partnership with all VCU schools, programs and campuses as one development and alumni relations community and implementing the best practices and efficient strategies to achieve a comprehensive development program.

As part of DAR, the Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations (MPAR) team operates within a dynamic and collaborative environment that reflects the complexity of our institution. We are a highly matrixed organization, where success is driven by strategic partnerships, shared goals, mission-focus and the ability to navigate multiple reporting lines.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the senior director of development, the director of development for the Pauley Heart Center will support the priorities established by School of Medicine Leadership and the senior associate vice president for Medical Philanthropy, and work primarily with patients and families interested in making gifts in gratitude for the care they received at VCU Health and in support of research, education, and clinical care in health and wellness departments. The position coordinates closely with leadership and development colleagues at the MCV Foundation, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Monroe Park Campus and VCU Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), and supports fundraising priorities connected to the VCU and VCU Health’s tripartite mission of research, education, clinical care/physical environment.

The Director of Development for Pauley Heart Center will:

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 -125 major gift and leadership annual gift prospects;

• Solicit gifts at the major gifts level (at or above $50K) through personal appointments, calls and correspondence in order to obtain and/or increase donor contributions in support of the Institute;

• Partner with clinical physicians and research faculty to identify prospective patient donors and to create appropriate fundraising strategies;

• Develop and track metrics for accountability and evaluation;

• Work in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Development, AVP for Clinical Fundraising and Center-based Philanthropy,SAVP for Medical Philanthropy, VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations and School of Medicine leadership and faculty to meet or exceed fundraising goals;

• Advise faculty and administrators of appropriate fundraising strategies in order to assist them in securing private funding;

• Successfully conduct a high number of quality engagement interactions through personal visits requiring travel, telephone and zoom solicitations, and coordinated personal written proposals in order to obtain and/or increase major gift contributions;

• Provide assistance to donors regarding tax laws, policies and procedures and in resolving problems with university administrators and faculty in order to maintain a positive image of VCU’s School of Medicine;

• Maintain prospect records and contact reports in order to facilitate repeated donations and establish gift histories;

• Work with prospect development staff to identify prospective donors and alumni leaders; 

• Provide guidance and assist with stewardship events and correspondence in coordination with the School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Foundation, and the Medical Philanthropy Strategic Engagement team

• Work with the Executive Director of Planned Giving for the Medical Campus to market and secure planned gifts on behalf of Center priorities

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience;

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising;

• An outgoing and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style;

• Strong written, oral, and data-analysis skills;

• Familiarity with technology, software, and digital tools to communicate and engage with others;

• Three - five years professional experience working in fundraising or sales environments, working directly with people for engagement and soliciting six and seven-figure financial commitments;

• Ability to work and navigate within a complex organization and diverse constituencies;

• Willingness to plan and execute travel for donor visits that may include overnight trips; 

• Willingness to learn, collaborate, and grow within a high performing fundraising team; 

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field

• Three or more years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in an academic medical center or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments;

• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts;

• Experience with grateful patient fundraising

• Demonstrated ability to execute objectives and goals aligned to the mission of a complex, urban university and the ability to persuasively represent its goals to multiple constituents;

• Demonstrated knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

• Ability to plan and execute travel for donor visits that may include overnight trips 

• CFRE certification.

Interested applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

VCU is also committed to hiring veterans. The University will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in calculations of the annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual.

Unit: Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

Department: School of Medicine Philanthropy

Salary Range: $90,000-$110,000

University Job Title: 1524B - Major Gifts Officer DV Base

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid; Flexible work arrangements available; must be able to come to the Richmond, VA office 2-3 per week and as needed for events

Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H-IB visa status, etc.): No

Wireless stipend: Yes

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Izzy Kane
Contact Email: irkane@vcu.edu