Associate Vice President for University Advancement

NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

Associate Vice President for University Advancement

Description of Position

The Associate Vice President for University Advancement is a full-time, exempt position. The Associate Vice President (AVP) reports to and works in partnership and collaboration with the Vice President for External Relations (VPER) helping manage the daily operations of the fundraising team while personally cultivating major donor relationships, including oversight and strategic fundraising for legacy gifts (estates, trusts, annuities). 

Northwest Nazarene University is sponsored by the Church of the Nazarene and seeks to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the body of Christ in its faculty, staff, administration and students. All those interested are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated equitably. 

Essential Functions:

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

• Executes a consistent schedule of face-to-face visits to move prospects through the stages of identification, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Personally manages a high-level portfolio of individuals capable of making significant “blended gifts" (current cash + future estate commitments).
• Develops and implements an integrated fundraising plan that aligns major gifts and planned giving with the university’s capital needs and endowment goals.
• Builds and scales a comprehensive “Legacy Society” to identify, track and steward donors who have included NNU in the estate plans.
• Serves as the resident expert on complex gift vehicles, including Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs), Gift Annuities (CGAs), and non-cash assets like real estate or closely held stock.
• Builds a referral network of estate attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners, positioning the university as a trusted partner in their clients' philanthropic planning.
• Collaboratively designs marketing collateral (newsletters, legacy websites, and seminars) that simplifies complex tax benefits into compelling invitations to give.
• Works closely with the Alumni Association to deepen relationships with graduates and represent the university at public events
• Articulates the university’s Christian mission through the lens of stewardship, helping donors view estate planning as a final act of testimony and faith.
• Works closely with the VP of External Relations and the President to prepare briefing materials and strategy for top-tier donor interactions.
• Partners with the Business Office and Legal Counsel to ensure all gift agreements are compliant with IRS regulations and can be executed according to donor intent.
• Partners with the University Advancement team to lead, design, and execute NNU’s Legacy Breakfast during Homecoming weekend.
• Collaborates with and assist team members within University Advancement in the development of various advancement initiatives, proposals, and events.
• Engages in and attends a variety of community events and events hosted by University Advancement.
• Leads and manages University Advancement staff as assigned.  
• Performs other areas as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years’ experience or equivalent
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven excellent customer service and interpersonal attributes 
• Exceptional ability to follow through, organize responsibilities and meet deadlines 
• High motivation to set and achieve challenging goals; self-starter who is comfortable with ambiguity 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• A commitment to use information resources ethically and to honor standards of confidentiality in working with constituent and institutional information
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time and occasionally work nights and weekends
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Computer competency with knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel, internet search engines, and ability to utilize technology platforms to research and analyze areas 
• Familiarity with current trends and best practices in the advancement field
• The University requires that all candidates be Christians (preferably in the Wesleyan tradition), and must be comfortable with, in agreement with the mission and lifestyle values of NNU

Compensation

The salary will be determined by the educational background and experience of each applicant. Full-time personnel will be offered access to a benefits package including health, vision and dental insurance for employee and family, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending plan, tuition benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a retirement program.

Application Process 

To be considered for this position, a complete application packet must be received. Complete application packet will include the following: 

• Letter of interest 
• NNU Application 
• Resume 
• Statement of Faith/Church Membership 
• One (1) pastoral letter of recommendation  
• Two (2) professional letters of recommendation  

Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).