Director of Advancement

Title: Director of Advancement

Application Review Date: 10/14/26

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

In partnership with College Dean(s), University leadership, faculty, and Advancement and Alumni Relations, the Director of Advancement serves as the lead development officer for assigned colleges, programs, or initiatives and is responsible for securing philanthropic support that advances the strategic priorities of the College(s) and the University. Provides strategic counsel to Dean(s) regarding philanthropic opportunities and donor engagement. The Director develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, friends, parents, corporations, foundations, and other constituents capable of making significant philanthropic investments.

The Director manages a portfolio of 100-120 major gift prospects and donors and is responsible for developing individualized engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans designed to maximize philanthropic support. Working collaboratively with academic and university partners, the Director builds meaningful relationships that align donor interests with institutional priorities and funding opportunities.

The Director develops and implements an annual fundraising plan that includes measurable goals and strategies for donor engagement, prospect development, solicitation, stewardship, and pipeline growth. Through strategic travel and personal outreach, the Director conducts meaningful donor interactions that advance prospects through the giving cycle and contribute to the University’s fundraising goals. Responsible for achieving annual fundraising and activity goals, including major gift proposals, visits, and contacts.

The Director utilizes donor and prospect management systems (Raiser’s Edge) to maintain accurate records, track activity, analyze fundraising performance, and identify new opportunities for engagement and support.

As a key member of the Division, the Director fosters strong working relationships across campus and serves as a trusted advisor to academic leaders and colleagues on donor strategy, fundraising best practices, and philanthropic opportunities. The Director contributes to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered engagement while advancing the mission of the Division and University.

Extensive travel, including evening and weekend commitments, is required to develop and maintain relationships with donors and prospective donors.

Required Qualifications

•Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, or a related field, with a proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and secure philanthropic commitments.
•Experience managing a portfolio of prospects and developing strategies to move donors through the cultivation and solicitation cycle.
•Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with donors, alumni, volunteer leaders, faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners.
•Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans and manage multiple priorities in a results-oriented environment.
•Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across academic and administrative units.
•Experience utilizing constituent relationship management systems, donor databases, and related technology to manage prospect activity, donor engagement, and fundraising outcomes (such as Raiser’s Edge).
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
•Ability and willingness to travel extensively and work evenings and weekends as required to meet fundraising goals and objectives.
•Valid driver’s license.
•Advanced degree in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

•Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, healthcare philanthropy, or another complex relationship-based fundraising environment.
•Demonstrated success securing major gifts and achieving fundraising goals.
•Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT or comparable donor management systems.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a cover letter and resume

Employment Conditions: Valid driver’s license.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position 100% telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: Yes

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Advancement-MG

Salary: $82,438 - $106,812 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Department Contact Name: Sharon Ratcliffe

Department Contact Phone: 5408316716

Department Contact Email: srratcliffe@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.