Vice President for Development

Thank you for your interest in joining Pillar College. We are a Christ-centered institution committed to academic excellence, servant leadership, and the transformative work of faith in education. As part of our mission, we seek team members who bring strong professional experience and who also share and support our Christian values.

Job Summary
Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Development is a senior leader responsible for spearheading the college's fundraising and donor engagement initiatives to help ensure the financial sustainability of Pillar College. The VP is responsible for the management, preparation and the appropriate follow-up and execution of development-related duties of the President's office. The VP will serve as liaison between the President and senior staff, and the Advancement Committee of the Board of trustees as it pertains to fundraising-related activities. The VP will also be a significant point of contact for alumni, volunteers and donors.

Although not having a managerial function in marketing and communications, the VP will receive full cooperation with those departments for the promotion of Presidential projects and activities.  A high priority will be to advance the outreach and promotion of the college through achieving high visibility of the President.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership in Development (Approx. 12 hours/week):

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy, focusing on fundraising, donor relations, major gifts, planned gifts, and new initiatives.
• Lead efforts to build a functional development program, aligned with the college's strategic priorities.
• Guide and support the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees, ensuring alignment with the college's fundraising goals and initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet, contributing to strategic decision-making and institutional planning.

Coordination with the President's Office (Approx. 8 hours/week):

• Serve as a key advisor to the President on all development-related activities, ensuring timely and effective follow-up on fundraising and donor engagement.
• Prioritize and implement Presidential projects and requests, working with administrative staff to ensure they align with the college's strategic objectives.
• Assist in planning and coordinating social activities and gatherings related to the President's office, particularly those that support development efforts.
• Collaborate with the President and other key stakeholders to identify and schedule major donors and prospects for meetings, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Monitor and follow up on action items from meetings with the President, ensuring that all development-related tasks are completed efficiently.
• Ensure that new and summary information from the President's contacts is accurately entered into Raiser's Edge and other relevant databases.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement (Approx. 8 hours/week):

• Coordinate external development communications, including annual fund appeals, proposals, and grant applications in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Department.
• Research prospective and current donors, compiling historical and benchmark data to inform strategies and initiatives.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of accurate development income reports, delivering these to the President bi-weekly.

Alumni & Community Relations (Approx. 4 hours/week):

• Strengthen relationships with alumni, volunteers, and donors, acting as a significant point of contact for these groups.
• Plan and oversee cultivation and fundraising events throughout the year, ensuring these events effectively support the college's development objectives.
• Development Events & Special Projects (As Needed)

Qualifications

Experience

• Significant experience in a sophisticated development environment, preferably within higher education.
• Experience staffing a President, Board Advancement Committee Chair, and other senior-level executives.
• Strong understanding of major and principal gifts fundraising, including "moves management" strategies.
• Familiarity with alumni programs, public relations, and college administration processes.

Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills, capable of managing complex tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to articulate the college's mission and objectives clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team-oriented management style, showing empathy and professionalism.
• High level of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information.

Working Conditions:

• Professional, pleasant work environment with regular interaction with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, board members, faculty, and students.
• A dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere that encourages innovation, responsibility, and teamwork.
• The role is structured as a modified 4-day workweek, with approximately 32 hours per week in person and remote as it pertains to outreach with donors and prospects.

Physical Demands:

• The role requires spending approximately 70% of the time in the office and 30% out of the office for meetings, events, and other external engagements.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85, $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person