Principal Gift Officer

The Principal Gift Officer is a high impact role and a senior fundraising professional who will drive innovative philanthropic opportunities and impact through implementation, identification, and solicitation of prospective principal gift donors.  The Principal Gift Officer will execute plans across the breadth of their assigned area(s) of responsibility in support of ASU Foundation leadership and ASUD funding goals and initiatives.

What you'll do

• Creates and leads a coordinated program of fundraising and engagement activities designed to increase the number and level of principal gift donors; sets direction and approach in partnership with ASU leader’s vision in assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Manages a personal principal gift donor/prospect portfolio with a primary focus on securing gifts at or above the $1,000,000 level and a personal fundraising goal of at least $5M in accordance with performance metrics
• Develops and executes strategies to involve school leaders, alumni, friends, and volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional and/or foundation prospects on behalf of assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Guided by the direction and scope of a prospect’s interest, collaborates with various faculty, institute/center directors, and unit-based and foundation-based fundraisers to leverage the maximum philanthropic potential of a prospect
• Guides the direction of written proposals, white papers, strategic plans, budgets, and other collateral materials as needed for securing significant ($1M+) philanthropic investments
• High level of collaboration with both internal departments and broader University partners to identify common goals and develop, execute, and advance prospect and donor strategies and increase participation among high profile volunteers and donors (i.e., alumni engagement, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, development, donor relations, estate and gift planning, financial services, research, and prospect management, etc.)
• Ensures the proper stewardship and recognition of donors in portfolio
• Manages projects with moderate oversight; depending on area(s) of responsibility, may serve as a project manager for some complex, multilayered, university-wide proposals aimed at raising the higher gifts for a university campaign
• Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking and maintenance of contact and progress reporting
• Within area(s) of responsibility, maintains up to date knowledge on key alumni and high-level donors, and/or oversees continuous research, development and up-to-date knowledge on prospects and works with other areas to coordinate contacts
• Participates, as a member of the W. P. Carey Office of Advancement and ASU Foundation development team and serves as a resource to development colleagues
• Sustains and elevates working relationships with deans, chairs, directors, and faculty members within area(s) of responsibility

What you'll need

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles
• Complex problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives
• Strong knowledge and understanding of database management
• Ability to inquire about and understand organizational interests and needs, and determine how to persuade or market to that organization with compelling benefits
• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others
• Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment
• Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques including proposal development, prospect identification, program planning, fund solicitation, database management, donor tracking, and social networking and marketing tools 
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information
• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to represent the institution well and possess an advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in donor/prospect computer database systems
• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible
• Ability to be flexible and agile to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties on time

Relevant qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least ten (10) years of successful fundraising experience 
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved
• Documented success in personally implementing sophisticated, multi-year cultivation strategies that use a relationship-building and moves management approach leading to successful gift closure
• Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources including principal level gifts of $1M+

Preferred education and experience

• Advanced degree
• Demonstrated success in developing transformational philanthropic opportunities with successful close of multiple 7- and 8- figure gifts
• Experience working in Salesforce and Workday

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution
• 22 days of vacation time
• 11 holidays, including your birthday
• Parental leave
• Significant tuition reductions
• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest
• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation we value

Character
We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.
 

Service
We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.
 

Innovation
Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.