Principal Philanthropic Advisor

James Madison University (JMU) seeks a successful professional to join the Principal Giving team as a Principal Philanthropic Advisor.

JMU's star continues to rise. President Jim Schmidt and university leadership have developed a bold vision for JMU outlined in the Madison Promise Plan. Following the successful Unleashed campaign, which exceeded the stretch goal by 25 percent, we are advancing a next, more ambitious campaign based on the Madison Promise Plan. The Principal Giving team plays a critical role in significantly advancing each of JMU's strategic priorities and designing financially-significant, transformative opportunities for individuals and families to impact the world through JMU.

The Principal Philanthropic Advisor will have a key role in building relationships and securing principal-level gifts for JMU. The successful candidate will have the knowledge and tools to open and close conversations involving outright, deferred, and blended gifts of $1M+. A natural affinity for collaboration with university colleagues and donors to navigate complex conversations is also a key attribute.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Principal Philanthropic Advisor reports to the Assistant Vice President for Principal Giving in University Advancement.

This role has three defining dimensions:

1. Management of prospect relationships with consistent focus and high-touch engagement, cultivation and stewardship that leads to successful solicitations.
2. The ability to shape and communicate, orally and in writing, compelling ideas that will attract transformational gifts based on institutional initiatives and presidential priorities.
3. The ability to represent the Principal Giving team in partnering with colleagues across University Advancement, Athletics, and academic units to coordinate cultivation and solicitation of prospects with multiple interests and relationships with JMU.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising or a field with transferable skills.
• Outstanding communication skills, including listening, writing, and speaking, to build trust with both external and internal constituents.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including sincerity, excellent judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated integrity in managing complex relationships and confidential information.
• Proven ability to build and maintain long term stakeholder, client, or partner relationships.
• Strong skill in uncovering connections, networks, and interests while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to assess risk and a willingness to take calculated risks.
• Proven ability to drive performance and execute for results.
• Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues for shared wins.
• Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team, with high levels of communication.
• Ability to relate to a variety of people and build bridges of common understanding in each relationship.
• Ability to navigate the complexity of a large institution.
• Ability and willingness to travel as necessary and work flexible hours, including some evenings and during weekends, to meet with donors/prospects and execute strategic moves.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or professional credential.
• Familiarity with using metrics and analytics to segment, cultivate and grow a pool of relevant prospects.