Job Description:

Position Number:

FP004V

Position Title:

Exec. Dir. VIMS/Batten School Advancement & Foundation

Employment Category:

Full Time Professional

Location:

VIMS - Gloucester

Department:

111100 Office of the Dean and Director

Unit Mission Statement:

Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States. Together with the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences, our aim is to confront societal challenges in coastal and marine systems through innovation, research, and discovery, translate our findings into practical solutions, and train the next generation of scientists and citizens. With a three-part mission focused on discovery, education, and scientific advice, we provide science for solutions to Virginia, the nation, and the world. Our comprehensive academic program offers outstanding training and research opportunities for students who seek advanced careers in academia, government, or the private sector, including research-focused MS and PhD degrees, and a professional (MA) degree, and we are currently seeking approval for a new undergraduate degree in coastal and marine sciences.


The VIMS/Batten School Advancement Team is dedicated to growing and sustaining meaningful connections with members of our community who are passionate about coastal and marine science research, education, and conservation. Through community engagement and philanthropic partnerships, the Office of Advancement supports the mission and impact of VIMS/Batten School. A portion of the Executive Director's role will be in support of the VIMS Foundation and it's board, whose mission is to advise and assist VIMS and promote philanthropy to and stewardship of the philanthropic resources of the VIMS Foundation.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director of Advancement for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences (BSCMS) and Executive Director of the VIMS Foundation (Exec. Dir.) is the strategic leader for all advancement activity for the benefit of VIMS and BSCMS, serving as the chief fundraiser and also leading the VIMS Foundation. Consistent with W&M's shared services agreement with the VIMS Foundation, this position is assigned 50% effort to support the VIMS Foundation and 50% support to VIMS & BSCMS with the responsibilities outlined below.


As chief fundraiser, the Exec. Dir. is a member of the VIMS/BSCMS leadership team and is a strategic partner across campus, responsible for soliciting gifts from alumni, individuals, corporations and foundations for the benefit of VIMS/BSCMS. In collaboration with the Dean and Director, and the Assistant Vice President of Development for Schools and Academic Initiatives the Exec. Dir. is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing strategy for institutional development to advance philanthropic efforts of VIMS/BSCMS. As a seminal thinker and leader with a demonstrated ability to capitalize on the unique role of VIMS/ BSCMS in an academic and research setting, the Exec. Dir. will work to establish target markets and align advancement strategies and resources to maximize impact.


The Exec. Dir. will also provide upper-level management for the Foundation and Foundation Board. In coordination with the Dean & Director, the Exec. Dir. staffs Foundation Board committees and their work and oversees all aspects of Foundation Board meetings. The Exec. Dir. also manages Foundation Board volunteers, from recruitment to emeritus status. In partnership with the Dean & Director and the Foundation Board, the Exec. Dir. will work to develop fundraising strategy that aligns with institutional mission to increase assets of the Foundation for the benefit of BSCMS/VIMS.


Reporting to the Dean & Director, and in coordination with the AVP for Development, Schools, and Academic Initiatives at W&M, the Exec. Dir. is responsible for strategic leadership of the BSCMS/VIMS advancement team, with specific supervisory responsibilities for the Senior Development Officer (SDO). Although the SDO will have primary supervisory responsibility for BSCMS advancement personnel, the Exec. Dir. will ensure strategic alignment within the office to build and maintain a strong sense of purpose and the esprit de corps necessary for driving fundraising outcomes.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have the ability to travel extensively (occasionally overnight) and be available to work evenings and weekends to meet the business needs of the operation.

Essential Designation:

No

FLSA:

Exempt

Position Restricted?:

No, this is a continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

Position Term:

12-Month

Position Months:

Faculty or Staff: 12 month

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and or experience.


• Experience directly related to the position including the proven ability to plan, execute, and close significant major gifts ($100,000 and higher) and reach aggressive fundraising goals.


• Significant experience (typically 4-8 years of experience) in increasingly more responsible roles in development/advancement.


• Proven ability to develop, align, and implement vision and strategy and identify and engage target audiences and markets.


• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to drive a culture of engagement and philanthropy and motivate donors in a metrics-driven environment.


• Commitment to teamwork and a willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues from across the institution, capitalizing on the opportunities that diverse ideas and thoughts can provide.


• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and fluency in using persuasive language to promote visionary gift opportunities.


• Advanced writing skills with demonstrated expertise in drafting and executing creative individual and corporate foundation relations (CFR) focused strategies.


• High level of ease working independently and strong demonstration of work ethic and integrity.


• Significant organizational skills and an ability to handle multiple complex tasks and projects concurrently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (preferably a Master's Degree) in a related field.


• Extensive and progressively increasing fundraising experience (typically 8 or more years,) with a proven track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts from individuals.


• Experience working in the fields of marine science, STEM, ecology, conservation biology, or related academic disciplines in higher education.


• Demonstrated performance as a strategist for significant gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.


• Experience working with foundation boards and highly engaged leadership volunteers, as well as experience with governing board development and the principles of laws applicable to board governance.


• Campaign experience.


• Management skills to educate, lead, and inspire fundraising professionals and other team members.

Is the position remote work eligible?:

Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)

Remote Work Disclaimer:

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Advertised Pay Range:

$180,000 - $200,000 commensurate with relevant experience

Advertised Pay Range Statement:

All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.

University Salary Range:

U19

Benefits Summary Statement:

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).


Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none

Job Open Date:

08/22/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Application Instructions:

Special Note: Candidates should not apply for this position through the W&M careers site.

Lindauer is assisting William & Mary and VIMS in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made. Interested applicants should submit their materials via the Lindauer website:
https://www.lindauerglobal.com/career-opportunity/executive-director-advancement-vims-batten-school-coastal-marine-sciences-executive-director-vims-foundation-william-mary/Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Lindauer representatives Megan Abbett, Assistant Vice President (
mabbett@lindauerglobabl.com) or Andrew Machado, Senior Consultant (
amachado@lindauerglobal.com).

Background Check Statement:

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement:

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

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