External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) and the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy areseekinga highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Assistant Director for Annual Giving. The Assistant Director will represent the University of Virginia, its programs, policies, personnel, traditions, philosophy, and objectives to all constituent groups and will generate philanthropic support for the Batten School. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our communitycomprisesa robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development. Reporting to the Director of Development, Batten, the Assistant Director will focus on fundraising efforts to support programs related to the priorities of the Batten School. This role will be responsible for managing a portfolio of donor prospects and developing a comprehensive solicitation and stewardship strategy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build and manage the Batten School's annual giving program and increase leadership annual giving activity and results. Batten School. The Assistant Director will be expected to create personalized strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals within their portfolio. Key responsibilities:
Focus on building new donor pipeline for the Batten School through ongoing discovery and prospecting. Create and implement cultivation structures that include prospect strategy development, face-to-face visits, continuous donor engagement, preparation of written materials, design and implementation of cultivation events, direct solicitation, and solicitation in tandem with volunteers and other staff. Travel regionally and nationally to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors, with the expectation of conducting at least 140 visits per year. Develop a portfolio of potential individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects at the leadership annual giving level up to $10,000 by cultivating and soliciting these prospects. Partner and collaborate with colleagues at the Batten School, University Advancement, and key university stakeholders, including faculty and volunteers to cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, with a focus on families demonstrating strong engagement. Continue to develop, cultivate, and steward relationships with existing donors, with the goal of moving them towards becoming major gift prospects. Create and implement cultivation structures that include prospect strategy development, face-to-face visits, continuous donor engagement, preparation of written materials, design and implementation of cultivation events, direct solicitation, and solicitation in tandem with volunteers and other staff. Collaborate with the Annual Giving team to design and execute integrated fundraising strategies, encompassing targeted communications, annual campaigns, and a new alumni stewardship initiative. Coordinate with the Reunion Giving team to identify and engage reunion-year prospects, supporting cultivation and solicitation efforts aligned with milestone celebrations. Lead Batten School development efforts to maintain and/or increase alumni giving participation, in collaboration with Batten School staff and University Advancement partners. Recruit and provide high-level guidance to volunteers, advancement ambassadors, and student interns and volunteer board. Serve as a development staff liaison to the Batten Alumni Advisory Board. Support the planning, coordination, and execution of development events for the Batten School, ensuring alignment with strategic fundraising and engagement goals. In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's Degree Experience: At least one year of related work experience, which could include sales, constituent engagement, political campaigns, community organizing, or other similar work. A valid driver's license. Ability to travel frequently (approximately 2-3 times per month), with occasional evening and weekend work required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Three or more years of fundraising experience in higher education or another non-profit setting; experience in a related field will be considered. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Detail oriented with the ability to discern priorities. Self-motivated and goal-oriented, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. Self-starter mentality with the initiative to take ownership. Collaborative attitude, comfortable asking for help and working closely with colleagues to achieve shared goals. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build genuine, effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholder groups-including donors, alumni, faculty, and colleagues. Demonstrates high emotional intelligence through self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal situations with professionalism, discretion, and tact. Exceptional relationship-building abilities, demonstrated through a track record of cultivating and sustaining meaningful, long-term partnerships. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines. Enthusiasm for the mission of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and committed to social impact. Experience using CRM database systems (e.g. Salesforce, Advance, EverTrue, Raiser's Edge, etc.). High level of working knowledge of the Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams. Grit and determination, showing commitment to long-term goals and the ability to push through obstacles. Entrepreneurial spirit, bringing creativity and innovation to fundraising strategies and donor engagement. Growth mindset, eager to learn through trial and error to continuously improve through feedback and experience. Resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, with a strong ability to stay focused and motivated through setbacks. High energy and enthusiasm, with a passion for building relationships and advancing the mission of the university and the school.
Salary Range
Position Type & Work Location
This is a non-exempt-level,benefitedposition. Learn more aboutUVA benefits. This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This position is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. A hybrid schedule combining in-person and remote work is available, with on-site presence required for key meetings, activities, and events. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools when working remotely. The ideal candidate will reside within a reasonable driving distance of Charlottesville with the ability to commute multiple days per week.
About UVA and the Community To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA. Application Timeline Application review will beginafter August 19, 2025. Additional Requirements
How to Apply Please applyonline, by searching for the requisition number R0075456. Complete an application with the following documents:
Upload all materials into the resume submissionfield. You cansubmitmultiple documents intothis onefield or combine them into one PDF.Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants:Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs." Reference Check Process Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will berequested, with at least three responsesrequired. Contact
Foradditionalinformation about the position, please contact Sandi Hall, at eym5wh@virginia.edu. For questions about the application process, please contactJonFreeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
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