Executive Director, Principal Gifts
Western University
Salary: $130,000 - $160,000
The Opportunity
Western University is seeking an Executive Director, Principal Gifts to lead the design, implementation, and management of principal gifts ($1m+) across the university. In addition to personally managing a portfolio of principal gifts donors and donor prospects, with a goal of 10-15 solicitations per year, the Executive Director will provide strategic, supportive leadership to principal gifts staff to enable them to excel in their efforts and delivery of service and partnership to other units.
This position will report to and work closely with the Associate Vice-President (Development), as well as providing support and partnership to the Vice President (Advancement) and the President of the University on cultivation and solicitation for their principal gifts prospects. The Executive Director, Principal Gifts will also engage with and support university volunteers such as the Chancellor, members of the Board of Governors, campaign cabinets and advisory boards.
As a member of the University Advancement Leadership, the Executive Director will jointly participate in setting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating long-term advancement strategies and campaigns for Western University. The Executive Director will lead a number of university-wide projects and initiatives related to Advancement and will support the development of strategic campaign plans for the University. In doing so, the Executive Director will collaborate closely with colleagues in University Advancement, Western Communications, and the various Faculties & Divisions.
Another important aspect of this role is to provide coaching, mentoring and support in partnership with the AVP Development and Executive Director, Faculties & Divisions Development, to create and implement the best structure for principal gifts development across the university, and to build principal gifts capacity in all faculties and divisions. Currently, we are raising about $40 million per year in principal gifts, and the goal is to grow, in particular by increasing the pipeline of prospects rated at $10M+.
The salary range for this position is $130,000-$160,000 per annum, plus a comprehensive suite of benefits and pension.
The University is proud of its on-campus and in-person student and alumni experience, and therefore Senior leaders are expected to work on campus. Flexible work hours are available if responsibilities can accommodate, as well as occasional work-from-home for added flexibility. Given that there will be significant travel in this role (regionally, nationally, and internationally) the University is willing to consider candidates based in the Toronto/GTA area who would be on campus at least one day per week, and likely more at the beginning of employment. Please also note that candidates must possess a valid passport and driver’s license.
Executive Director, Principal Gifts – Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Leads and plays a key role in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating principal gifts activities across the university
Manages a portfolio of principal gifts donors and donor prospects, identifying and building a pipeline of 10-15 solicitations
Leads principal gifts cultivation and solicitation for assigned principal gifts prospects and supports principal gifts cultivation and solicitation for prospects assigned to the AVP Development and Vice-President (University Advancement)
Provides expertise to the AVP (Development), Vice-President (University Advancement) and the President & Vice-Chancellor on principal gift cultivation and solicitation
Provides strategic and integrated leadership to principal gifts staff (approximately 5-7 staff), while articulating a clear vision, which supports and enables staff to excel in the delivery of services and fundraising efforts
Sets and monitors individual objectives and metrics
Works with development staff as a coach and mentor, working to develop staff to reach their maximum potential in generating philanthropic funds
Regularly reviews the type of roles required to support principal gifts fundraising activities, and oversees recruitment into roles to meet current and future needs
Provides leadership to external volunteers involved with principal gift solicitations, either directly or indirectly
Leads university-wide projects and initiatives related to advancement (e.g., partnering with Western Research to support institute fundraising), and supports the development of strategic campaign plans for the University
In consultation with the AVP Development, oversees and leads the planning, design, development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and initiatives, enabling the portfolio and Western to achieve fundraising goals
Provides ongoing support and engagement for initiatives within University Advancement (e.g., culture, We Speak, CRM design and implementation, talent development)
Engages and supports university volunteers (the Chancellor, members of the Board of Governors, campaign cabinets and advisory boards) through working with the AVP Development and Executive Director, Faculties & Divisions Development, to create and implement the best structure for principal gifts development
Participates with University Advancement Leadership in setting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating long-term advancement strategies and campaigns for Western
Monitors the principal gift activity pipeline across all staff, faculties and external divisions, working with the Executive Director, Faculties & Divisions Development and the Manager, Prospect Management & Research to build a pipeline for gifts (target to increase pipeline of prospects rated $10M+)
Ensures that annual and long-term goals for principal gifts are set, monitored and evaluated (current annual target of $40M with potential for growth), in conjunction with overall development objectives of the university
Partners with the ED, Faculties & Divisions Development to develop strategies, and to coach, mentor and monitor the development of principal gifts capacity in all faculties and divisions
Collaborates with the ED, Faculties & Divisions Development to manage and drive the overall annual pledge targets
Continues to advance a team approach to principal gifts to build culture and capacity across the team
Develops strong, collaborative working relationships with Western Communications colleagues to ensure the smooth and successful delivery of communications and marketing activities related to advancement
Ensures an appropriate development structure is in place to demonstrate Western’s value for matching donors’ highest philanthropic aspirations with the strategic needs of the University
Leads the budgeting process for their portfolio (approximately $500K) ensuring resource allocations align to the strategic priorities of the unit
Ensures an appropriate recognition and stewardship structure to demonstrate Western’s value and respect for donors to provide them with a meaningful lifelong relationship and experience with the University
Presents on key performance indicators related to their portfolio, and prepares reports for University Advancement leadership
Outcomes the Role is to Achieve
Advising and Guidance
Senior leaders, fundraising staff and other stakeholders receive informed guidance regarding development policies, practices and procedures
Client Service
The University community is served by an engaged and motivated principal gifts team focused on delivering excellent service
Thorough and proactive change implementation plans and practices that include commitment and buy-in from all parties involved
Leadership/Management
Skilled and collegial leadership of the team, through management and evaluation of metrics on program activities, regular performance feedback and support of development plans
Projections for annual and long-term campaign plans are well-prepared and monitored throughout the year, adjusting strategies and plans as required to achieve objectives
A steady pipeline of principal gifts support is developed and maintained
Fundraising metrics are met with ongoing evaluation and maintenance (e.g., funding is secured for 5-10 new faculty research chairs)
Efficient and effective financial and human resources plans for the portfolio that comply with administrative controls, contracts and other relevant practices
Problem Solving
Sound decisions based on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment
Relationships
Strong, productive relationships with senior management team members, colleagues, direct reports and clients
Mutually beneficial relationships with donors that enable engagement, maximize gift support, and foster continued giving to Western
Candidate Qualifications & Experience
Required Education and Experience
Experience fundraising within a university or other complex non-profit environment
Experience executing gifts at the $1 million dollar plus level, as well as gifts that are complex, multi-divisional, and/or pan-institutional
Leadership experience in a fundraising, or revenue-generating portfolio with multi-million dollar targets, with accountability for leading staff, budgets, and projects
A minimum of an Undergraduate Degree
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes
In-depth knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques, as well as project management methodologies
Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
Ability to develop strategies and tactics that are in line with the University’s mission and which balance competing priorities
Ability to deal confidentially with information that has financial, political, regulatory and reputational implications
Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders, including the media and the public
Ability to effectively drive and manage change initiatives that align with organizational strategies and/or provide opportunities to increase efficiency
Ability to draw on diversity of skills, backgrounds and knowledge of people to achieve more effective results
A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals in order to achieve desired outcomes
Project management skills to align projects with strategic goals and operational objectives
Ability to remain highly motivated, resilient, innovative, and collaborative when faced with challenges
Living in the London Region
London is Canada’s 11th largest city and an ideal environment in which to work, live, and play. Set in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, midway between Toronto and Detroit, London is the region’s economic, entertainment, and cultural hub.
With its numerous educational offerings, an extensive public health care system, and lower cost of living than many Canadian cities, London is a highly desirable community for people at all stages of life. Affectionately known as the Forest City, London sports more than 200 treed areas and public parks with an extensive trail system that runs along the Thames River.
London has a population of more than 500,000 and it continues to play a key role as a regional hub for Southwest Ontario, a region of about 2 million people. Merging our historical expertise in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, with emerging sectors like robotics, digital creative, and financial technology, London is a leader in commerce, culture, and innovation.
For More Information
KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this Advancement leadership search on behalf of Western University. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Tara George or Ellie Rusonik at WesternPG@kcitalent.com. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence.
To view full position brief, visit www.kcitalent.com
Please send a resume and letter of interest, to the email address above, and note that the deadline for submission is March 2, 2023.
This position is open to all Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those legally able to work in Canada. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
We are grateful to live, work and play on these lands. Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Chonnonton peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.
This is a permanent, full-time position and will be based in Westminster Hall at Western University at 361 Windermere Road, London, Ontario. Western’s vaccination policy and mandatory masking requirement remain in place, and University employees are required to attest to having up-to-date COVID vaccinations.