Associate Vice President of Philanthropy

Position Classification Title: Associate Vice President of Philanthropy

FLSA Status: Full-Time | Exempt

Reports To: Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations

About Us:

The New Mexico State University Foundation invites you to apply to join our diverse, dynamic, and welcoming team in Las Cruces, NM. The NMSU Foundation seeks to provide the pinnacle career experience for each member of our team. The Foundation is seeking talented individuals who are passionate about the mission of NMSU and committed to a continual pursuit of excellence. We build strong relationships with alumni, supporters, NMSU partners, and each other, while personifying our core values of integrity, teamwork, stewardship, innovation, and fun.

We offer a highly competitive salary including incentive compensation, an industry-leading benefits package, and a fun and fulfilling work environment. Qualified individuals with a high level of energy who are looking for a work environment that nurtures vision, performance, productivity, superior quality, and unsurpassed integrity are encouraged to apply for this career opportunity.

Job Summary: 

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Philanthropy provides strategic leadership to grow philanthropic support for the NMSU Foundation. As a member of the Foundation's senior leadership team, the AVP oversees development officer performance, builds donor relationships, and leads training programs to maximize fundraising outcomes. This role manages a team responsible for major and principal gifts, planned giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, campaign initiatives, and prospect strategy. 

Essential Functions: 

• Lead and coach fundraising teams to increase philanthropic support. 
• Develop and assess programs for major, principal, corporate and foundation relations, and planned gifts. 
• Cultivate donor relationships and collaborate with university leaders and the dean or director at each NMSU College to support fundraising efforts.
• Promote a high-performance culture focused on results and improvement. 
• Track and analyze fundraising metrics and present data to stakeholders. 
• Travel to meet donors and support development staff. 
• Mentor and manage staff with clear goals and performance reviews. 
• Develop strategy for prospect pipelines and solicitation plans. 
• Assist in developing proposals and presentation materials for top fundraising priorities. 
• Identify and resolve barriers to team success, in collaboration with Foundation leadership 
• Manage operating budget and ensure effective resource use.

Minimum Required Education, Knowledge & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or related field of study (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in complex fundraising environments, with a strong track record of securing major and principal gifts. 
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and change management skills. Knowledge of IRS gift regulations, CASE/VSE standards, and fundraising strategies. 
• Ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Commitment to diversity and ability to work with varied constituencies. 
• Proficiency in database management, budgeting, and performance tracking. 
• Willingness to travel regionally and nationally with reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.