Assistant Vice President, Advancement Operations

DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement, the Assistant Vice President, Advancement Operations (AVPAO) has primary responsibility to lead the administrative operations of Don Bosco Prep’s Office of Advancement.

The position directs and manages daily operations of the unit and its personnel, including key strategic priorities established by the VP. The overarching focus of the position is to maximize fundraising results through the efficient use of resources and effective management of day-to-day operations and key strategic priorities.

The AVPAO functions as a thought leader, advisor, and integrator in support of the Office of Advancement and Don Bosco Prep’s mission, vision, and values in the development of goals, strategic initiatives, objectives, policies, and procedures.

The position assists in the resolution of administrative matters, objectives, policies, and procedures for the Office and engages in high-performance, leading-edge practices, which are innovative in their approach to the operation of a nationally recognized independent school.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·     Coordinate and manage the Advancement team to ensure alignment between the VP’s priorities and the work of the Don Bosco Prep Advancement staff.

·     Identify administrative needs and develop standards, procedures, processes, and priorities to maximize performance of the Advancement staff and to shape an exceptional philanthropic/alumni experience for all.

·     Work closely with the VP for Advancement, and designated Advancement team members, to establish, implement, and execute annual giving, donor relations/stewardship, advancement services, events, alumni relations, planned giving, and communications strategies and programs.

·     Create and nurture relationships across the school to champion key initiatives and to support effectiveness of the office.

·     Act as a key adviser to the VP on administrative matters.

·     Act as a liaison for the VP to facilitate meetings and internal communications.

·     Work closely with the VP on the management of strategic priorities.

·     Establish and facilitate the process for awarding privately funded scholarships.

·     Assess all inquiries directed to the VP to determine the proper course of action and delegate to the appropriate individual to manage those responses.

·     Manage and advise on all Advancement communications (in collaboration with the Director of Advancement Communications and Events) to internal and external audiences on behalf of the VP.

·     Provide oversight of the financial goals and results of all fundraising events.

·     Develop content for reports and presentations to the school’s leadership team, the Advancement Committee, the Board of Trustees, the institution at large, outside parties, and individual donors.

·     Directs the tactics, policies, and procedures for capturing and entering data, including gift processing, gift acknowledgment, and gift reporting.

·     Analyzes and interprets data and trends to inform annual fund and planned giving appeal segmentation and prospect assignment.

·     Works closely with the Vice President to establish and track annual goals, key performance indicators (KPI’s), and metrics to measure success for operational activities and strategic priorities, including the campaign planning process.

·     Manages three direct reports: Director of Alumni Engagement, Director of Advancement Communications and Events, and the Director of Advancement Services and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, including annual performance appraisals and professional development plans.

·     Working closely with the VP, annually builds and manages the Advancement budget.

·     Create procedures to ensure sound fiscal management and accountability throughout the Office of Advancement.

·     Liaison to the Office Finance for financial forecasts and trends analysis to facilitate data driven decisions.

·     Negotiates and manages vendor contracts (i.e. CRM, printing, mailing, events, etc.).

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

Five or more years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in advancement services/operations; annual fund and fundraising event management; financial management and analysis; personnel management; project management; data analytics and database management; alumni relations; and advancement communications or an equivalent set of experience and education.

Experience working within a highly functioning Advancement operation, preferably in an educational setting. 

Proven experience translating fundraising data and metrics to action, demonstrating a strong analytical capacity.

Demonstrated ability to proactively anticipate the operational needs of an Advancement Office, and to prepare comprehensive and actionable plans that addresses gaps to meet the needs of an Advancement team in a stage of growth and transformation.

Experience managing and executing high-profile projects and initiatives within budget and in a timely manner.

Bachelor's Degree. Advanced degree preferred.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS, QUALITIES, SKILLS, AND TRAITS

A deep appreciation and respect for Don Bosco Prep’s history, mission, values, and community.

A passion for meticulously shaping an excellent engagement experience for alumni, parents, friends, and donors – at all giving levels.

Exceptional leadership, management, and communications skills.

A thoughtful but decisive decision-maker.

An analytical thinker who enjoys working with data to inform strategies and decision-making.

A kind, relatable person who is at ease interacting with a varied and diverse array of constituents.

Routinely models commitment, perseverance, entrepreneurialism, consistency, accountability, transparency, and teamwork.

Ethical to a fault.

A good sense of humor.

COMPENSATION

Don Bosco Prep offers a competitive salary based, in part, on the candidate’s experience, a comprehensive benefits package, and a generous PTO allowance accompanied by a reduced summer schedule.

OTHER

This position may require after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.

At the School's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

NOMINATIONS, INQUIRIES, & APPLICATIONS

Ardú Advisors is assisting Don Bosco Prep in this search. To nominate a candidate and/or to schedule a confidential inquiry, please contact Jason Kroll at jason@arduadvisors.com.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter tailored to this specific position and a resume to BoscoAVPsearch@arduadvisors.com.