Associate Vice President, Principal Giving
Overview
Quinnipiac University's invites applications for the position of Associate Vice President, Principal Giving in the Office of Advancement.
Quinnipiac University is a place of ambition and momentum. We are investing in our future with clarity, confidence, and a bold vision for philanthropic growth. This position is one of several newly created leadership roles within the Division of Development and Alumni Affairs, reflecting the University's intentional investment in expanding its advancement capabilities and advancing a comprehensive campaign strategy. That ambition is built upon a foundation of exceptional financial strength, recognized in 2026 with an A+ financial grade from Forbes, enabling Quinnipiac to invest strategically in its people, priorities, and long-term aspirations.
The Associate Vice President for Principal Giving will play a central leadership role in building and executing a comprehensive principal gifts strategy focused on securing seven- and eight-figure philanthropic investments. Partnering closely with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs, President, Provost, and Deans, this leader will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational donors in support of the University's highest strategic priorities and campaign initiatives.
Reporting to the Vice President for D&AA, the AVP for Principal Gifts will maintain a focused portfolio of high-capacity donors while strengthening the institutional strategy and infrastructure required to support sustained growth in principal-level fundraising. Through partnership with advancement colleagues and academic leadership across campus, this role will help build a disciplined and collaborative approach to principal gift fundraising that positions the university for long-term philanthropic growth.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership of the Principal Gifts Program (40%)
- Design, refine, and implement a comprehensive principal gifts program supporting disciplined identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of seven- and eight-figure gifts.
- Partner closely with the Vice President for D&AA and President to advance the university’s highest philanthropic priorities and engage the institution’s most significant donors.
- Establish regular principal gift strategy meetings with the President and Vice President to review donor engagement, refine cultivation strategies, and coordinate leadership participation in major gift opportunities.
- Manage a portfolio of 30–50 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and family foundations, and collaborate with advancement colleagues to identify and qualify new principal gift prospects.
- Foster a culture of strategic relationship management and principal gift fundraising across the advancement division.
Cross-Campus Collaboration and Campaign Strategy (25%)
- Serve as a strategic fundraising partner to Development Officers, deans and academic leaders, translating academic priorities into compelling funding opportunities across schools and colleges.
- Lead principal gift strategy sessions with the Vice President for D&AA, President, Provost, and senior leadership, embedding a culture of philanthropy to advance institutional goals.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to development officers working with donors capable of principal-level commitments.
- Collaborate across advancement teams — major gifts, planned giving, stewardship, and operations, to align efforts and maximize philanthropic impact.
- Contribute to campaign strategy development and execution, with a focus on building and advancing the principal gift pipeline.
Donor Engagement, Stewardship, and Signature Experiences (35%)
- Design and lead high-impact donor campus experiences integrating student engagement, academic showcases, capital project tours, and leadership interactions to support principal gift cultivation.
- Oversee prospect management and stewardship strategy, including milestone events such as groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for major philanthropic investments.
- Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop strategic messaging, draft press releases, and shape donor stories that communicate a compelling vision for key initiatives.
- Ensure exceptional stewardship practices that strengthen long-term donor relationships and reinforce philanthropic impact.
Education Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required
- Master's degree preferred
Qualifications
- 10-15 years of progressive experience in advancement, development and fundraising in higher education or non-profit organizations
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to craft messages for various audiences
- Ability to successfully recruit, manage, and motivate volunteers
- Strong organizational, analytical, and attention to detail skills, with demonstrated ability to assess complex situations and facilitate solutions in a collaborative manner
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Strong ability to engage volunteers who hold a variety of backgrounds
- Strong planning, relationship building, communication and management skills are also required
- Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed to support University and Advancement events
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds
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