Executive Director of Advancement, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts University Advancement
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Job Location:
Clayton, OH - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
3 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Scheduled Hours
37.5Position Summary
Washington Universitys University Advancement seeks a strategic and collaborative advancement professional to lead the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Philanthropic Strategy team in the position of Executive Director of Advancement.University Advancement strives to advance the institutions mission by creating a culture of philanthropy among alumni students faculty and friends. With the 2025 public launch of the With You Campaign WashU is ambitiously pursuing solutions to the worlds greatest challengesto make a more promising future for all. The Sam Fox Schoolwhich includes art architecture and the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museumis uniquely positioned to advance these campaign themes as a leader in art and design education. As evidenced by the work of its students faculty and alumni the school is committed to advancing these fields through innovative research and creative practice; excellence in teaching; a world-class university art museum; and a deep commitment to addressing todays social and environmental challenges.
The Executive Director will serve as the chief strategist for Sam Fox School advancement and oversee a team of advancement professionals who serve as subject matter experts with the objective of driving solicitation cultivation engagement and stewardship strategies for Sam Fox School fundraising priorities. The team advises gift officers and oversees targeted strategic stewardship engagement and volunteer opportunities designed to build the Sam Fox School donor pipeline.
The Executive Director will set the fundraising strategy for the school working directly with the Dean of the Sam Fox School and other academic leaders within the school as well as University Advancement leadership to identify and develop strategic funding opportunities and goals. The Executive Director will oversee the Deans portfolio of prospects and engage with key donors and volunteers to increase engagement with and philanthropic support for Washington University.
The Executive Director will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement for Philanthropic Strategy and partner closely with the Sam Fox Schools leadership and the University Advancement senior leadership team. The incumbent will sit on the Philanthropic Strategy senior team.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Lead the Comprehensive Advancement Strategy for the Sam Fox School
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean related to all advancement activities. Serve on the Deans cabinet and senior leadership team as requested.
Establish and maintain strong and effective working relationships with Sam Fox School faculty and staff. Act as the lead contact for all Sam Fox colleagues with University Advancement.
Oversee the Sam Fox School prospect pool development and management in collaboration with University Advancement colleagues.
Supported by Sam Fox School strategy officers manage the Deans caseload and ensure the execution of appropriate prospect strategy.
Direct the volunteer strategy for boards and committees such as the schools National Council and Eliot Society Committee and ensure engagement opportunities support annual fund goals and align with Advancement and school priorities.
Responsible for setting appropriate fundraising goals and overseeing gift tables and progress reporting in collaboration with University Advancement colleagues.
Support relationships across University Advancement for the Sam Fox School.
Advance Sam Fox School Funding Priorities
Advise and partner with Sam Fox School leadership and faculty to identify school-specific fundraising priorities and related giving opportunities.
Develop a deep understanding of key areas of distinction for the School as well as the University and campaign priorities.
Work with school-based stakeholders to be kept informed of timely developments that may impact on Advancement activities.
Review collateral case statements opportunity menus proposals talking points and other school-specific resources for approval and alignment to School and Advancement standards.
Understand and apply University and Advancement-wide policies that impact giving opportunities and proposals.
Develop and Execute Donor Strategies
Lead the development of cultivation and solicitation strategies to build support for Sam Fox School priorities and the Universitys campaign initiatives.
Collaborate with generalist gift officers to develop individualized strategies for prospects that align to school priorities.
Guide gift officers through scripting consultation and offering curated resources tailored to specific programs or initiatives.
Provide guidance and support to the Sam Fox School strategy officers as needed.
Partner with Principal Gifts to develop and execute strategies for prospects.
Serve as a Sam Fox School subject matter expert and/or proxy for the dean in donor meetings. Travel and attend events and meetings with the Dean if needed.
Collaborate with the Corporate and Foundations Relations team in executing comprehensive strategies for corporate and foundation support for the school.
Attend and staff key academic and school events as a representative of University Advancement.
Serve as Subject Matter Leader of Sam Fox School for University Advancement
Partner with Individual Giving Executive Directors to ensure they have effective school-based strategies for gift opportunities.
Support unit-based training for gift officers.
Serve as liaison for principal gift activity.
Oversee fund administration for the Sam Fox School in collaboration with the Donor Relations team and supported by the Sam Fox School stewardship officers.
Navigate and manage the development of proposals and gift agreements in collaboration with the appropriate WashU and UA partners that support the Sam Fox School; advise gift officers on donor expectations.
Oversee Team Operations
Lead the Sam Fox School Advancement team in the Philanthropic Strategy vertical: set performance goals provide mentorship guidance and regular feedback.
Develop and manage budgets for unit activity.
Develop and manage annual operational plans.
Manage relationships with units across University Advancement; drive accountability for agreed-upon goals and deliverables.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Normal office environment
Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or a table
Repetitive wrist hand or finger movement
Equipment
Office equipment
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelors degree
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Drivers License:
More About This Job
Required Qualifications
- Record of significant achievement in the area of major gifts and demonstrated skill in developing sophisticated strategies for planning implementing and administering complex gift situations.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies within a complex organization.
This position is located in St. Louis MO.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Accountability Analytical Thinking Budget Management Confidentiality Cross-Functional Collaboration Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Ethical Practices Fundraising Fundraising Strategies Goal Setting Highly Developed Interpersonal Leadership Legal Regulatory Compliance Major Gifts Fundraising Meeting Organization People Management Relationship Building Strategic Planning Team Accountability Team Goal Setting Team Leadership Working Independently Workplace ProductivityGrade
G00Salary Range
Base pay is commensurate with experience.The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including ones qualifications and performance equity with others in the department market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation please emailor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and if requested reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and as applicable for the position other background checks drug screen an employment and education or licensure/certification verification physical examination certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation 10 recognized holidays and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges annual health screenings mental health resources mindfulness programs and courses employee assistance program (EAP) financial resources access to dietitians and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care Weve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies detailed benefits and eligibility please visit: StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the Universitys policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race ethnicity color national origin citizenship (where prohibited by federal law) age religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression disability protected veteran status or genetic information.
Required Experience:
Director
