Vice President of Advancement

Grand Canyon University! One of Arizona’s leading institutions of higher learning.

Located in the Valley of the Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. GCU is an institutionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University.

A high-profile, front-line position responsible for management of principal and major gift operations, constituent engagement and alumni relations, the cultivation and solicitation of a portfolio of major gift prospects and sponsorships, and the strategic engagement of alumni, strategic engagement of Corporate Partnerships, all in support of the mission and vision of Grand Canyon University.

All responsibilities are presumed to reflect the effective implementation of best practices. Technology will be leveraged as an enabler whenever practical. Internal controls will be installed to ensure that all activities comply with acknowledged standards of fiduciary due care, non-conflicts of interest and confidentiality.

What you will do:

• Alongside the President, develops and implements the major giving strategy in support of institutional campaigns for GCU specific academic programs and/or specific university initiatives.
• Manages a portfolio of principal gift and sponsorship prospects.
• Expectations to visit prospects and to solicit annual contributions; goals to be established.
• Along with the Senior Director of Development, directs the prospect management process: leads and manages a comprehensive pipeline development program of both individuals and corporations.
• Oversees and/or works in concert with other GCU departments in various initiatives for fundraising through various constituencies.
• Positions the President to develop relationships with potential donors who might not have a direct tie to GCU, but are aligned with its mission and vision.
• Alongside the Senior Director of Sponsorships, strategizes and implements a rapid growth strategy for corporate partnerships centered around GCU’s 21 Division 1 sports.
• Develops and directs a variety of fundraising strategies including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, alumni programs, and annual fundraising events.
• Leverages CRM and multiple other software to identify prospects, develop portfolios, and manage the donor process from identification to solicitation.
• Reviews and analyzes new legislation affecting fundraising for higher education and works in collaboration with legal counsel and senior management to keep them apprised.
• Supports needs of the President and Board as they relate to fundraising activities, such as drafting letters, writing talking points and testimony and arranging and preparing for meetings.
• Collaborates with Public Relations team to obtain media coverage if warranted and may speak publicly to the media and a range of audiences.
• Contributes to short and long-term organizational and departmental planning and strategy.
• Serves on various GCU committees as needed.

What you need:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration, financial management, philanthropy, marketing, public relations or education.
• An equivalent combination of work experience and education may be substituted upon supervisor’s approval.

Bonus:

• Master’s degree preferred.

Why work at GCU

• Exceptional workplace benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a flexible spending account, a 401K savings plan
• Generous time off plan and 11 paid holidays
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community or at GCU sponsored events
• Free covered parking
• We also offer full-time employees, their spouses, and dependent children an Education Tuition Discount Program
• Free on-site gyms on campus

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