Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast
Villanova University
Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast
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Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number:20260431SPosition Title:Assistant Director of Major Giving, SoutheastPosition Type:StaffLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Internal/External ApplicantsWork Schedule:full-time/12-monthsAvg Hours WeekDepartment:604 - University AdvancementPosition Summary:Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!Why work at Villanova?
Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we “keep moving” in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova’s comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova.
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Major Giving for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, the Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast serves a frontline fundraiser in Villanova’s key Southeast markets. This position is responsible for establishing and managing effective relationships with varied prospects and existing donors. As a member of the regional major giving team, this individual will play a critical role in advancing the University’s strategic priorities and fundraising goals.
The Assistant Director of Major Giving, Southeast will identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospects and donors, developing individualized engagement strategies that inspire philanthropic support. As a remotely based member of the regional development team, the Assistant Director must be highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently while remaining closely connected to colleagues across University Advancement. Success in this role requires strong initiative, accountability, effective time-management, and the ability to proactively develop and advance a major gift portfolio with minimal day-to-day supervision. The Assistant Director, Southeast is expected to conduct 10-12 meaningful prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 125 prospects with philanthropic capacity of $100,000 or greater and take ownership of advancing relationships throughout the donor lifecycle. The portfolio will be primarily based in Florida with expected travel to other regions within the Southeast region, including Georgia, New Orleans and Tennessee.
In partnership with the Senior Director, the Assistant Director will help strengthen and expand Villanova’s fundraising presence throughout the Southeast. The individual will work closely with colleagues across Advancement, including Stewardship, Alumni Relations, and University leadership to grow and enhance the successful fundraising program in the Southeast within the context of Villanova University’s overall fundraising efforts. The incumbent will also support prospect engagement and involvement efforts related to cultivation and fundraising events in the Southeast region.
This position is based remotely in Florida, with strong preference for candidates residing in Naples or Palm Beach and requires regular travel throughout the Southeast region, and quarterly trips to campus (Philadelphia).
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify and manage a portfolio of at least 125 prospects which includes alumni and parents. Working from pipelines will be expected with support to review zip code and other data as needed. Establish and manage effective relationships with portfolio prospects and donors; conduct a minimum of 10-12 prospect visits monthly and assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects. This will be measured by weekly metrics including quantity and type of outreach.
- Plan and implement prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies developing work and stewardship plans; identify and evaluate potential donors from available research, peer screenings, and event participation. Report results to Sr. Director of Major Giving and develop outreach plan.
- Support prospect engagement and involvement efforts for University-wide events and programs taking place in the Southeast. Be a point of contact for Florida-based constituents to engage in the life of the University; encourage participation in activities and evaluate potential for development involvement. In conjunction with the Sr. Director of Major Giving, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, provide support to the Southeast campaign committee.
- In conjunction with the Sr. Director of Major Giving, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast assist in coordinating development activities.
- Perform additional duties and assist with special projects and events as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Three to five years of experience as a frontline fundraiser in higher education or non-profit sector.
- Proven successful experience in individual fundraising or related sales/business development experience required.
- Experience dealing with major gift prospects required, preferably in the field of higher education and/or within the Florida non-profit philanthropic community.
- Commitment to the principles behind higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission expected.
- Understanding of the University culture and ability to work within a multi-layered management system required.
- Ability and willingness to travel required. Excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills required. Must be well organized and detail oriented.
- The incumbent must be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment, as well as a disciplined self-starter who is results-oriented.
- Knowledge of general office equipment, including use of laptop computers, printers required.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- A minimum of two years working with major and/or principle gifts preferred.
References Needed
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