Associate Vice President, Development

Towson University•Towson, MD

About The Position

Fundraising Leadership and Strategy – Provide vision, direction, and leadership for all areas of development. Lead the University’s fundraising initiatives, including annual, major, and planned giving; corporate and foundation relations; and athletics development. Develop strategies to increase private philanthropic support and donor engagement at all levels. Management and Supervision – Supervise and mentor directors and fundraising staff in the following areas: major gift fundraising, athletics fundraising, organizational giving, planned giving, and annual giving. Promote collaboration, accountability, and professional development across teams to ensure success in meeting fundraising goals. Campaign and Strategic Planning – Partner with the Vice President to design and implement comprehensive campaign strategies. Contribute to the division’s strategic plan, goal setting, and performance metrics. Lead readiness assessments, prospect pipeline development, and campaign reporting. Collaboration with Academic and University Leadership – Work closely with deans, athletic leadership, and senior administrators to identify and advance fundraising priorities. Provide counsel and support in donor engagement, proposal development, and relationship management. Portfolio Management and Fundraising – Maintain a personal portfolio of approximately 50–75 major and leadership gift prospects. Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts ranging from $50,000 to $1 million or more, in alignment with University priorities and campaign goals. Volunteer and Donor Engagement – Identify, recruit, and support volunteer leaders who assist with University fundraising efforts. Engage alumni and friends in meaningful ways to strengthen lifelong connections to Towson University. Other Duties as Assigned – Serve as a key member of the University Advancement leadership team and represent the Vice President as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Ten years of progressively responsible development experience.
Demonstrated success in securing and closing gifts of $50,000 to $1 million+.
Deep understanding of fundraising principles, strategies, and donor cultivation.
Experience with campaign planning and execution.
Proven success managing and motivating development professionals and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.
Experience working effectively with academic leaders, board members, alumni, volunteers, and high-net-worth donors.
Exemplary cooperation, collaboration, and sound judgment.
Maturity and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
Exceptional strategic, analytical, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with and knowledge of the University System of Maryland or other system-based institutions of higher education.
Understanding of and experience working with planned giving instruments and marketing of planned giving programs.
At least three years experience in higher education.

Responsibilities

Provide vision, direction, and leadership for all areas of development.
Lead the University’s fundraising initiatives, including annual, major, and planned giving; corporate and foundation relations; and athletics development.
Develop strategies to increase private philanthropic support and donor engagement at all levels.
Supervise and mentor directors and fundraising staff in the following areas: major gift fundraising, athletics fundraising, organizational giving, planned giving, and annual giving.
Promote collaboration, accountability, and professional development across teams to ensure success in meeting fundraising goals.
Partner with the Vice President to design and implement comprehensive campaign strategies.
Contribute to the division’s strategic plan, goal setting, and performance metrics.
Lead readiness assessments, prospect pipeline development, and campaign reporting.
Work closely with deans, athletic leadership, and senior administrators to identify and advance fundraising priorities.
Provide counsel and support in donor engagement, proposal development, and relationship management.
Maintain a personal portfolio of approximately 50–75 major and leadership gift prospects.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts ranging from $50,000 to $1 million or more, in alignment with University priorities and campaign goals.
Identify, recruit, and support volunteer leaders who assist with University fundraising efforts.
Engage alumni and friends in meaningful ways to strengthen lifelong connections to Towson University.
Serve as a key member of the University Advancement leadership team and represent the Vice President as needed.