WARTBURG COLLEGE

Title of Position – Executive Director for Advancement

Position Summary

The Executive Director for Advancement serves as a leader within the Office of Institutional Advancement and plays a vital role in advancing the College’s mission through strategic constituent engagement, annual giving, and advancement services. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Executive Director oversees the daily operations and management of advancement operations. This role requires a collaborative, goal-oriented, and innovative leader who can effectively manage a team, align divisional efforts to maximize constituent engagement, and increase efficiency of operations and data management. The Executive Director will manage and mentor a team of professionals and support staff and work closely with faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees. Some travel and weekend engagements will be required. This is a full-time, twelve-month appointment with a comprehensive benefits package included.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:
- Provide overall leadership, planning, and direction for advancement operations including prospect management and research; data management; CRM implementation and optimization; stewardship; alumni and parent engagement; and annual giving.
Team Management:
- Supervise and support development staff, including prospect management and research; data management; alumni and parent engagement; and annual giving. Optimize advancement outcomes using a performance management approach, including but not limited to setting performance goals and conducting regular evaluations to ensure a high-performing team culture.
Lead Implementation of New CRM:
- Implement new and improved processes to improve organizational performance and leverage Slate system capabilities. Manage relationships with Dynamic Campus and internal Wartburg stakeholders (e.g., Strategic Recruitment, Registrar, Finance and Administration, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Regents) to optimize data sharing and governance.
Campaign Planning and Execution:
- Partner with the Vice President and Advancement leadership to design and implement capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives that support academic programs, scholarships, capital projects, and student success.
Prospect Management & Research:
- Oversee design and implementation of a comprehensive prospect management system, ensuring the effectiveness of identifying, tracking, and assessing donor engagement as well as development staff activity.
Stewardship and Scholarship Liaison:
- Oversee stewardship of endowed and restricted funds, including scholarships, maintenance of donor records, gift acknowledgment processes, and overall effectiveness of donor recognition activities.
Operational Oversight:
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Development Office, including budgeting, policy development, reporting, and use of donor databases and analytics.
Institutional Collaboration:
- Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and College leadership to execute fundraising efforts with institutional priorities and initiatives.
Advancement Leadership:
- Serve as a key member of the Advancement planning team, contributing to strategic decision-making and cross-departmental initiatives.
Other Duties:
- Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Advancement Office and College mission.

Supervision and Autonomy

The Executive Director exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative. The position operates under general direction, referring to College policies and strategic priorities for guidance. The Executive Director supervises alumni and development staff and support staff and confers with the Vice President on matters of broader institutional impact.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of four years of advancement-related experience, preferably in a higher education setting.
Skills:
- Strong leadership, management, and team-building abilities.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Familiarity with fundraising software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Slate, or similar).
- Understanding of the mission and culture of liberal arts colleges or similar institutions.
Availability: Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Application Procedure

Please upload the following by selecting the “Apply for this Position” below: 1) resume 2) a letter of interest including a statement regarding qualities within the context of the Wartburg College mission 3) contact information for three references. See www.wartburg.edu for further information about the college and the city of Waverly. Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled.

Wartburg College

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Executive Director for Advancement