Associate Vice-President of Principal Giving

Acting as a key leader for Macalester College’s Advancement division, the Associate Vice President of Principal Giving will build and set the direction for a principal gifts program (philanthropic gifts of $1M+) and will be responsible for generating new revenue for Macalester College during our recently launched campaign. As both a front-line fundraiser and leader, this position will help to shape Macalester’s engagement of donors and prospects with the capacity for seven- and eight-figure gifts. This role provides vision and leadership of a comprehensive and well-integrated principal gifts fundraising program as part of Macalester’s overall fundraising efforts, resulting in a sustainable level of giving beyond the campaign.

This is a full-time, remote, or hybrid position. Candidates authorized to work in the US who reside in any US state except for CA and NY are encouraged to apply. Candidates living in Minnesota are preferred. This position requires 25% of travel time. 

About The Division: 

The areas of Advancement—Engagement, Communications and Marketing, Development, and Advancement Operations —are dedicated to supporting Macalester’s mission and moving it forward. We work to strengthen the Macalester experience, from maintaining clear communication campus-wide and with the broader Mac family to fundraising for initiatives that support the college’s strategic plan to nurturing lifelong connections with alumni. 

• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards a select portfolio of 20-30 high-level donors and prospects with added focus on pipeline development to meet increasingly aggressive annual fundraising goals. Plans and executes 12+ substantive contacts with prospects each month.
• Develops a comprehensive principal gifts fundraising plan. Serves as the primary project manager for the principal gifts program, working in close partnership with senior leaders in the college and in the Advancement division to identify prospects as well as implement and sustain successful strategies throughout the donor cultivation cycle.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to other development staff to help shape effective engagement strategies for donors with the ability to make gifts $1M+.
• Facilitates regular donor strategy meetings, and guides collaboration with colleagues across Macalester to enhance fundraising efforts at the college including formulating creative cultivation plans, successful solicitation strategies, and effective stewardship efforts to maximize the lifetime engagement and support of the college’s mission. 
• Builds and maintains strong personal and professional relationships with the entire Macalester College community, including alumni, faculty, staff, and volunteers. Values all who engage in strengthening Macalester equally. 
• Continues to expand skills and expertise by pursuing professional development opportunities, including DEI-related professional development. 
• Supervises staff as the principal gifts program grows. Works with staff to set ambitious goals.

• CFRE preferred but not required. 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Business, or Liberal Arts field required. 
• The ideal candidate has 8- 10+ years of related experience, including at least five years as a fundraising professional with a successful track record of personally qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding seven- and eight-figure gifts from individuals. Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, preferably in a higher education setting.
• A sophisticated understanding of fundraising principles and practices, an orientation toward action, and a high level of intellectual curiosity. Ability to translate Macalester’s goals and strategies into inspiring visions for donors.
• Ability to set objectives and performance standards, provide constructive feedback, and achieve established program goals.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex institutional setting and develop and sustain productive and effective relationships with donors, faculty, colleagues, and senior leaders.  Ability to manage activities and highly confidential information with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy, and respect while working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to form positive relationships, to work flexibly and effectively as a member of a team, and to leverage volunteer leadership in advancing donor relationships and gift discussions.
• Discretion, sound judgment, and leadership skills that demonstrate professionalism, collegiality, self-motivation, and organization.

Compensation:

The annual salary for this position will be $140,000-$150,000, depending on experience.

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

To be considered, please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by October 25th. Applications from candidates residing in NY and CA will not be considered. Review of resumes will begin immediately, but the interview process will not begin until after October 25th. This role will be posted until filled. 

Questions can be directed to:

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager 

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals. Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.