Leadership Gift Associate

Title: Advancement Leadership Gift Associate

Application Review Date: 11/13/25

Campus

Location:

Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, the LGA is responsible for securing gifts to support the University's fundraising goals. The LGA develops strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors. The role includes developing an annual work plan outlining strategies for communication, engagement, and fundraising efforts and enlisting the support of university partners to craft appropriate donor strategies.

Manage a portfolio of 100‑120 major gift donors and prospects who can make a major gift. Serve as the primary contact for individual prospects, developing and implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies as part of an annual work plan. Responsible for conducting 15 monthly meaningful contacts for field research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Assist with preparing written proposals, gift agreements, and other materials needed to define, secure, and document gifts. Effectively utilize the database to record contacts with donors and prospects and analyze potential donor research materials to target prospective donors.

Establish strong working relationships with advancement, collegiate and constituent development officers, the team and staff of the areas, and the broader University Advancement and Alumni Relations Division to foster a productive working environment.

The position is primarily remote but requires attendance at major university events on campus (averaging about four times per year) and extensive travel, including evenings and weekends, to meet and engage with key contacts.

• Strong leadership, management, and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with measurable outcomes or equivalent experience.
• Analytical and goal‑oriented, with experience managing metrics and performance indicators.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to advancing the mission of higher education.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed to meet with donors and attend events.
• Demonstrated experience in major donor and gift solicitation, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Proven experience in fundraising and securing philanthropic support from alumni, friends, corporations, and/or foundations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a team‑based environment.
• Advanced degree with demonstrated experience in major donor and gift solicitation, or a bachelor’s degree with related experience that equates to an advanced degree.
• Proficiency with current office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) and development databases such as Raiser’s Edge.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; ability to build, foster, and maintain relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Results‑driven, relationship‑focused leader with demonstrated success in major gift fundraising; strong communication, strategic thinking, and passion for higher education.

• Preference may be given to candidates residing in Northern Virginia, Greater Richmond, or the Tidewater area.

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.

Hours Per Week: 40 |
Months per Year: 12 |
FLSA Status: Exempt |
Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty |
Salary: Commensurate with experience

Department Contact Name: Sharon Ratcliffe |
Phone: (540) 831‑6716 |
Email: srratcliffe

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.