The Assistant Vice President, Donor Relations, provides leadership in identifying, attracting, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal gift prospects and pipeline donors in support of United Way of Greater Houston's fundraising efforts. The Assistant Vice President’s responsibilities are twofold; (1), leading and further developing a strategic and comprehensive program to identify prospects and present strategies to cultivate and increase giving in the areas of assigned responsibility while securing new donors and meet growth goals; and (2) leading the effort in conducting prospect research using financial data, information from multiple news sources and wealth screening services to increase the donor base among corporate donors and high-level donors outside the workplace. This role will report to the Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, and lead a team of professional staff and collaborates closely with the Advancement team, corporate partners, volunteers, and individual donors.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinates and works directly with the Advancement team to maximize giving. The AVP develops, cultivates donor relationships, executes functions/events and manages year-round communication plan that results in increased major donor giving. Works with the AVP of Marketing and Communications to develop and implement marketing strategies focusing on donor communications. Works closely with and meets routinely with the Chief Advancement Officer and other AVPs, volunteer leadership, donors, prospects and other key staff.
- Develops growth strategies and leads a team that conducts prospect research and identification of prospects, using financial data, information from multiple news sources, and wealth screening services. Analyzes and interprets results to create and implement a fundraising plan that will enhance the growth of new high-level donors.
- Maintains a talented skilled workforce by interviewing, hiring, evaluating and/or terminating staff. Collaborates with the Chief Advancement Officer and other AVPs to develop the annual operating budget and work plan and monitors progress and the achievement of goals. Develop relationships with the finance and administration staff to ensure that information on campaign reports is provided in a timely and accurate manner.
- Handles other responsibilities as assigned such as special projects and organizational activities related to the overall Advancement division.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related field from an accredited university.
EXPERIENCE:
- Seven (7) or more years of leadership, managing a team to achieve desired results; Ten (10) to fifteen (15) years of experience in fundraising.
- Successful track record in relationship development and management, extensive fundraising, and community engagement activities with individuals and the community in a major metropolitan area.
- Demonstrated success in leading non-profit fundraising campaigns.
- Knowledge and appreciation of digital engagement and its use in the integration of technology platforms and social media used into the overall fundraising strategy which includes: attracting new donors, improving donor retention and payment processing.
- Knowledge of non-profit governance and work experience with volunteers including Boards of Directors.
- Demonstrated ability to work with and gain the respect of a broad constituency base, including executive levels in business, industry and government, foundation management, service providers and other key community leaders.
- Proven ability to work with donors and C-Suite executive volunteers. Proven ability and willingness to solicit individuals one on one.
- Demonstrated ability to train, motivate, supervise and lead professional and administrative staff.
- Understands the non-profit culture with the ability to work collaboratively across the organization and gain the respect of a diverse team of peers and staff.
- Demonstrated expertise in budgeting and financial management.
- Strong communicator, both written and oral.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSES: CFRE preferred.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management or a related field from an accredited university
- Seven or more years of leadership experience managing teams to achieve results
- Ten to fifteen years of fundraising experience
- Successful relationship development, fundraising, and community engagement experience in a major metropolitan area
- Demonstrated success leading nonprofit fundraising campaigns
- Knowledge of digital engagement, technology platforms, social media, donor retention, and payment processing within fundraising strategies
- Knowledge of nonprofit governance and experience working with volunteers and Boards of Directors
- Ability to work effectively with executives, business and government leaders, foundations, service providers, donors, and community leaders
- Experience soliciting individuals one-on-one and working with C-suite executive volunteers
- Ability to train, motivate, supervise, and lead professional and administrative staff
- Expertise in budgeting and financial management
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Certified Fund Raising Executive certification
What We Do
United Way of Greater Houston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals and families to prosper. It works to improve lives and build a stronger community by providing a safety net of life-saving services for basic needs like food and shelter, while offering tools, resources, and education to help neighbors achieve long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency.
