Principal Philanthropic Advisor

Working Title

Principal Philanthropic Advisor

Type:
Administrative & Professional (Non‑teaching Faculty)

Status:
Full‑Time

FLSA Status:
Exempt – Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:
Principal Relationships

Department: 100650 – Principal Giving

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate:
Commensurate with Experience

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

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

This role has three defining dimensions:

• Management of prospect relationships with consistent focus and high‑touch engagement, cultivation and stewardship leading to successful solicitations.
  • Manage and continue to build a portfolio of 50‑75 relationships with consistent focus and high‑touch engagement, cultivation, and stewardship that lead to successful solicitations.
  • Proactively engage new high‑net‑worth donors and, where appropriate, leverage donor peer networks and university leadership to enable successful solicitations.
  • Meet activity and impact metrics developed in collaboration with the AVP for Principal Giving.
  • Thoroughly document donor interactions.
  • Understand JMU's priorities and then develop, implement, and refine customized strategies to advance each prospect's meaningful connection to those priorities, leading to principal‑level philanthropic investment.
• The ability to shape and communicate, orally and in writing, compelling ideas that will attract transformational gifts based on institutional initiatives and presidential priorities.
  • Develop proposals well‑informed by strategic plan and university stakeholders that lead to principal‑level philanthropic investment.
  • Close gifts of $1M+ with a donor‑centric approach that meets the needs and priorities of JMU.
  • Close gifts at other levels when appropriate with high net‑worth individuals and families who have future potential for principal‑level philanthropy.
  • Communicate clearly and with attention to detail.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the nuances of principal giving as a unique type of fundraising and be goal‑oriented while balancing the timing and interests of both the donor and JMU.
• 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.
  • Collaborate with colleagues at all levels, both within and outside of University Advancement, driven by the strategies developed for each donor or prospect.
  • Effectively manage up in a clear and timely manner with the AVP and other stakeholders.

There may also be other duties as assigned in carrying out the mission of Principal Giving.

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…