"Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy"

Interlochen Arts Group seeks a highly motivated fundraising leader with a track record of success to join a team that is enjoying unprecedented fundraising success. The Assistant Vice President (AVP) will play a key role as Interlochen’s campaign moves into the public phase in the summer of 2026. With a robust portfolio of donors in multiple regions across the country, seeking and closing six- and seven-figure gifts will be a prime responsibility. The AVP also manages campaign communications and other Philanthropy donor communications vehicles such as the Annual Report, the Philanthropy website, and Philanthropy’s submissions to Interlochen’s Crescendo online zine. The AVP will manage an experienced staff in research, data, and writing. As a member of the Philanthropy and Engagement Leadership Team, the AVP will think strategically with colleagues about building on the remarkable success of the early, quiet years of Interlochen’s current campaign.

Interlochen is the nation’s premier fine arts boarding high school with an enrollment of 575 students at Interlochen Arts Academy, while Interlochen Arts Camp serves 3,400 students annually, aged 8-18. Interlochen’s endowment has more than doubled to over $207 million in the last four years, and Annual Fund giving has grown more than 20 percent to over $7.5 million.

The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising and established staff management roles.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

This position requires excellent fundraising skills, significant experience working with philanthropy communications, experience with and understanding of how data and research inform fundraising success, an engaged and supportive leadership style, a collaborative approach to the work, exceptional judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with many constituencies.

Balance active front-line fundraising activities with management and strategy-setting responsibilities.

• Carry a robust portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects, including those who are prospects in need of qualification, focusing on 6-7 figure prospects in targeted geographic regions.
• Exemplify high standards of fundraising activity through the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process of donors in the portfolio.
• Supervise leadership of the research and data team and the philanthropy writer.
• Work with the Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement and the Associate Vice President and other members of the Philanthropy Leadership Team to refine and carry out strategies and tactics supporting fundraising priorities.

Serve as the lead on Philanthropy communications efforts as described here.

• Work with the Vice President and the Philanthropy Writer to develop print communications, web pages, and social posts. This will include regularly scheduled publications as well as comprehensive campaign-related work.
• Lead the conceptualization, writing, and production of the Annual Report of Gifts.

Lead Interlochen’s data, research, and philanthropy communications teams, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth defined by results achieved in reaching goals and objectives.

• Lead by example; foster a work environment that recognizes and rewards team-based efforts. Celebrate current achievements and set clear expectations for future successes.
• Actively mentor and train staff, providing opportunities for professional learning and growth; emphasize retention as a means of increasing the capacity and expertise of the team.
• Provide the structure and guidance necessary to promote a high-performance culture that meets the needs and expectations of a successful, entrepreneurial, and fast-moving operation while ensuring best practices in fundraising are followed.

Serve on the Philanthropy Leadership Team. Participate in and provide input toward the overall strategic planning, forecasting, and direction of fundraising goals and objectives, including campaign preparation and implementation. Evaluate and monitor staff on their performance against those plans and adjust strategy as needed to ensure goals and objectives are met in a timely fashion.

• Work collaboratively with Interlochen colleagues, and especially those in Marketing and Communication, Engagement, Admission, and the President’s office, to ensure effective collaboration with major gifts team members and the overall Philanthropy office.

Experience & Skills:

• A minimum of five and preferably seven years of leadership experience in a philanthropy program, ideally in an arts or educational environment (experience in both environments would be ideal).
• Proven ability to personally cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership gifts at the six- and seven-figure levels from a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Demonstrated experience leading a philanthropy program’s communications efforts.
• A deep appreciation, or the ability to develop a deep appreciation for the history, achievements, and aspirations of Interlochen, and the ability to effectively articulate the institution’s vision to a diverse audience.
• Strong management skills, both strategic and operational, and a demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and motivate an effective team.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with donors, colleagues, and community partners.
• Superior communication skills; clarity, crispness, and effectiveness in written and oral presentation.
• Computer proficiency required. Experience in, along with understanding and appreciation of, current fundraising technology and CRM platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively within the Philanthropy and Engagement teams and across departments while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• The ability to travel frequently and attend evening events.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Special attention will be given to individuals with artistic or musical backgrounds.
• Familiarity with all elements of a comprehensive fundraising operation.
• Respect for diverse perspectives and backgrounds, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

**Application Materials Required:**

• Resume
• Cover Letter