Executive Vice President & CEO and Shepherd University Chief Advancement Officer

The Executive Vice President (EVP) assumes the overall management, strategic leadership and full responsibility of chief executive officer of the Shepherd University Foundation.  The EVP reports to the Foundation’s President and Board of Directors.  Additionally, the EVP works closely with the Shepherd University President, serving as a member of the University’s executive leadership team and staffing the University Board of Governors’ Development and Academic Affairs Committee.  The EVP manages all Foundation accounting operations and internal and external reporting for investments, custodial accounts and charitable gifts to the Foundation for the benefit of Shepherd University.  The EVP serves as the chief advancement officer for the Foundation and University with responsibilities across all fundraising including targeted and comprehensive campaigns with oversight for Donor Relations and Stewardship, Corporate Relations, Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Major Gifts and Advancement Research, Communications and Social Media.

Leadership Profile

Qualifications

Successful candidates should be high energy and self-motivated with seven to ten years of progressive leadership experience with a non-profit foundation or other organization. The ideal candidate will have experience managing financial reports, creating budgets, and managing databases and gift entry.  Excellent communication skills, diplomacy, honesty, integrity, enthusiasm and perspective are essential.  The ability to plan, execute and successfully complete targeted and comprehensive fundraising campaigns is key as is a track record of solicitation and closing gifts of five figures or more.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Primary responsibilities are in the areas of leadership, management, fundraising, finances and reporting. Additional areas include special events, publications and communications.
• Serves as the chief executive officer of the Foundation, representing the organization with the University and other organizations and individuals and reporting to the Foundation president and board of directors.
• Serves on the executive leadership team of the University, working collaboratively with and in support of the University president and the University board of governors, staffing the university development and academic affairs committee and providing written reports.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Foundation including providing accurate financial reports, operating within budgets, and communicating regularly with board leadership.
• Manages all financial and investment programs of the Foundation, including acting as fiduciary manager of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education.
• Manages all financial reports, audits, and required state and federal reporting.
• Manages the alumni and gift database and accounting operating systems, overseeing all gift processing, alumni and friends database management and records maintenance, and written operational policies and procedures.
• Develops, implements and manages fundraising targeted plans and programs including annual giving, major gifts, endowments, and planned gifts across all constituencies. Works in collaboration with athletic fundraising, providing a wide range of staff and system support.
• Manages a prospect management system to effectively qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors, supported by lead staff members.
• Manages a personal portfolio of prospects, with emphasis on major and planned gifts.
• Manages and ensures a strong stewardship and donor relations plan and program, supported by lead staff members.
• Manages and ensures an effective communication plan and program including publications, public relations, website and social media with quarterly reviewed metrics and goals, in full collaboration with the University Communications Office
• Develops and manages a variety of special events, donor and volunteer cultivation activities and giving societies, supported by lead staff members.
• Oversees and manages the University’s alumni relations program, ensuring effective plans and implementation, supported by lead staff members.
• Responsible for the hiring, retention and development of a professional staff of Foundation and University employees, with annual performance evaluations and established goals.
• Represents the Foundation through speaking engagements with regional community service organizations and others to inspire support for higher education.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Experience

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures and their practical applications to non-profit fiscal management and the ability to manage and utilize accounting software.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret and analyze financial and investment statements and other data driven analytical reports.
• Knowledge and ability to work closely with investment, accounting and legal advisors for the Foundation, donors and prospects.
• Experience and ability to interpret, apply, develop and update operating protocols and procedures to meet the accounting standards and requirements for non-profit fiscal management, specifically charitable gift accounting and management.
• Strong interpersonal skills required for donor, alumni and volunteer relations, cultivation and stewardship.
• Significant experience identifying, cultivating and soliciting individual and organizational prospects.
• Ability to work independently, exercising judgment, diplomacy, leadership, time management and integrity.

Education

Bachelor’s degree is required with an advanced degree preferred.  A minimum of seven to ten years of progressive leadership experience with a non-profit foundation or other organization.

Applications and Inquiries

Applications, nominations or inquiries are invited.  Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this leadership profile.

For fullest consideration, candidates should submit materials by May 31, 2022.  Goal for selection of successful candidate is August 1, 2022.  Application materials should be emailed to Kristi Veach-Ross, [email protected]. 

Shepherd University Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. The Foundation will provide equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity.