Kenyon College is conducting a search for a qualified candidate to fill the position of Associate Vice President for Development.Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Associate Vice President for Development leads the development operation and is a key member of the leadership team in the Advancement division.  Development includes major and planned giving, annual giving, parent giving, the 50th reunion and donor engagement. Because leadership by example is essential, the AVP will also carry a portfolio of key donors and prospective donors.  

The AVP for development is expected to provide strategic direction for the department and to assist in strategic direction for the division, understanding the importance of interconnectivity with all departments.  The AVP will also assume discrete management responsibilities from the vice president, as needed from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Coach, mentor, empower and manage a team of talented professionals to maximize fundraising results for the long-term. 
• Contribute to and enhance a team culture focused on a commitment to one another and to the college as expressed through shared goals. 
• Play a key role in developing strategies and tactics for major and planned giving, annual giving, parent & family giving and institutional support of the College’s fundraising goals.  
• Liaise with the affiliate organizations including, the Kenyon Review, The Gund and the Philander Chase Land Conservancy.

Nonessential Functions

• Attend and assist with Advancement campus events.
• Respond to inquiries from alumni, parents, students, and other institutions.
• Perform other duties as required or requested.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Success Factors

• Knowledge of best practices in higher education fund-raising.
• Ability to provide strong, self-assured, creative, and entrepreneurial leadership to the development staff.
• Possess a powerful and persuasive public presence, political savvy, strategic planning experience, and senior-level management skills.
• Ability to develop new approaches to achieve development goals and expand the current base of donor support.
• Possess a strong sense of collegiality and ability to develop trusting working relationships with the president, the vice president for  advancement, trustees, faculty, senior administration, staff, alumni, parents and a broad range of external constituencies.
• Success in cultivating and soliciting prospects, both alone and in concert with volunteers and leadership of the College.
• Hard-working self-starter in an independent environment who maintains high standards for personal and professional      achievement.
• Possess integrity and a passion for the work as well as a high energy level, grace under pressure, and a sense of humor.
• Demonstrate intelligence, sophistication, empathy, creativity, and the willingness to take calculated risks.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for supervising the development team, including major and planned giving, parent and family giving, annual giving, 50th reunion and donor engagement.  This includes establishing goals, performance metrics, performing annual performance reviews, and ensuring a productive and enjoyable work environment.

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment. The ability and willingness to travel frequently and drive a car is essential.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably from a liberal-arts college.
• Significant experience in development, including demonstrated management and campaign background.
• Experience as a professional manager as well as a strategic and fiscal planner.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, necessary to articulate the vision and case of the College.
• Strong commitment to a liberal-arts education.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at eighteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.