Associate Vice President, Development

Reports to Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs

Salary Range

Salary Range A

Weeks Per Year 52

Work Week

Work Week 40 hours (minimum)

Position Summary

Reporting to the VP of Development & Alumni Affairs (DAA), the AVP of Development will lead the development and execution of short- and long-term fundraising strategies to grow and elevate the University’s philanthropic program in alignment with its strategic plan. As the University prepares for a comprehensive campaign, this role will play a key leadership position in building the major gift pipeline and advancing campaign readiness.

Campaign experience /experience managing priorities in a campaign environment preferred. Manages the development officers, planned giving director, and prospect management & research team. Carries a portfolio of donors and prospects with direct responsibility for securing major and planned gifts. Serves as a senior leader within DAA. Contributes to division-wide strategy and decision-making. Performs all duties in full support of the University’s mission, understanding that the positive and effective execution of these duties are instrumental to the education of the University’s students.

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Budgeted salary is $150,000 to $165,000, depending upon experience

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and implements fundraising strategies that enable Development Officers to meet and exceed major and planned giving goals.
• Establishes and monitors performance metrics; regularly assess results and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.
• Leads, mentors, and evaluates staff to strengthen major and planned giving performance, reinforce best practices, and build a strong pipeline of high-capacity donors and future board members.
• Oversees moves management, including assigning and refining prospect portfolios to maximize fundraising effectiveness.

• Personally manages a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors, with clear accountability for cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts and securing planned giving commitments.
• Develops and executes individualized strategies for each prospect across the full giving spectrum, including blended and deferred gift opportunities.
• Maintains an active schedule of donor meetings and solicitations, with a strong focus on closing significant commitments aligned with University and future campaign priorities.
• Tracks progress against revenue goals for both major and planned giving, ensuring consistent movement of prospects through the pipeline.
• Sets direction for prospect identification, research, and portfolio management to support major and planned giving growth.
• Guides staff to prioritize top prospects and align efforts with institutional and emerging campaign priorities.
• Supports campaign planning efforts, including pipeline development, prospect strategy, and readiness assessments.
• Participates in high‑level donor strategies, visits, and solicitations.

• Works closely with Office of DAA staff and campus partners to enhance donor engagement and aligns fundraising efforts with campaign priorities.
• Builds strong relationships across the University to position Office of DAA as the central coordinator of fundraising activity.

• Represents office of DAA at key University events on and off campus.
• Regular and overnight travel, as well as evening and weekend commitments expected.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Posting Number PS1197P

Working Conditions

Normal office situation. Requires travel, including overnight stays.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Required

Physical Effort

Typically sitting at a desk or table. Moderate lifting or carrying 25 lbs or less.

Special Skills

The ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• What is the highest level of education attained?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Technical School, Certification or Apprenticeship
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Knowledge of a highly advanced professional discipline (e.g., Ph.D, M.D., J.D., or equivalent doctoral degree required.)
• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Public Job Posting
  • Internal Job Posting
  • Agency Referral
  • Advertisement/Publication
  • Personal Referral
  • Website
  • Other

• Required Documents
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
• Optional Documents
  • Letter of Recommendation - Staff
  • Statement on Inclusive Excellence and Belonging

200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117