Senior Philanthropic Advisor

James Madison University is seeking a seasoned and successful fundraiser to join the Principal Giving team in University Advancement as Senior Philanthropic Advisor. This critical role will play a pivotal part in building transformative relationships and securing principal-level gifts from a growing donor pool.

The Senior Philanthropic Advisor will report to the Assistant Vice President for Principal Giving in University Advancement. As a senior member of the Principal Giving team, this individual will serve as an experienced, creative, and strategic thought partner with colleagues across University Advancement, sharing and developing best practices with fellow Director-level colleagues and moving gifts and/or prospective donors through a successful donor development cycle.

• Manage and continue to build a portfolio of 50-75 relationships with a focus on refreshing principal donor relationships from the last campaign and proactively identifying and engaging new high net worth donors independently and in partnership with our Prospect Development team and volunteers/donors.
• Close gifts of $1M+ with a donor-centric approach that meets the needs and priorities of JMU. Close gifts at other levels when appropriate with high net worth individuals and families who have future potential for principal-level philanthropy.
• Develop, implement, and refine customized strategies to advance each prospective donor's meaningful connection to JMU's priorities, documenting and updating these plans, and leading to principal-level philanthropic investment. Include engagement with university leadership and university colleagues as a part of these individualized plans where appropriate and effective, following established policies and best practices.
• Provide insight and expertise on complex gift opportunities, including but not limited to blending deferred and outright commitments, DAFs, real estate and other real property, and business interests.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gift solicitations in the university's CRM.
• Provide regular reports on progress, including portfolio development and solicitation activity.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Significant experience with donor/client relationships and success in meeting and exceeding targets.
• Experience working with high net worth individuals and families.
• Familiarity in leveraging DAFs and other gift assets such as real estate.
• Exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effectiveness as both individual contributor and team member.
• Demonstrated use of moves management and metrics to ensure accountability.
• Experience with using deferred (planned) giving techniques and tools to facilitate transformative philanthropy.
• Experience engaging, cultivating, and stewarding new stakeholders and converting into long-term partnerships.
• Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues for shared wins.
• Excellent judgement and ability to discern levels of risk and rewards.
• Strong skill in uncovering connections, networks, and interests while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.

• Analyze fundraising data to identify opportunities.

James Madison University is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://www.jmu.edu/hr/dual-career-program/

James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.