Assoc Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement ID: 2025-2167 Category: Development Type: FLSA Status: Exempt Benefit Eligible: Benefit Eligible Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Office Location: Anderson Center Job Summary The Associate Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement provides strategic leadership to a high-performing team of gift officers and alumni and family engagement professionals to advance Bethel University's philanthropic and relational priorities. This role oversees fundraising strategy, including alumni and family engagement, ensuring integration with institutional goals and measurable outcomes. The AVP partners closely with the Vice President of Advancement and the AVP of Advancement Operations to design comprehensive engagement strategies, integrate best practices, and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors. In addition, the AVP fosters a culture of collaboration across campus, working with faculty, athletics, and key stakeholders to cultivate lifelong relationships with alumni, families, and donors that inspire generosity, volunteering, and advocacy in support of Bethel's mission. Responsibilities Leadership and Strategic Vision- 35% Oversee and strengthen the philanthropic framework of University Advancement, ensuring effective management of donor strategies, fundraising initiatives, and alumni, parent, and family engagement priorities across schools, programs, and the university. Provide strategic vision and leadership to optimize fundraising performance, innovation, and effectiveness across key functions-including donor pipeline development, alumni and family engagement strategies, solicitation approaches, and stewardship practices. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing fundraising and engagement team-including direct oversight of alumni and parent functions-fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Partner closely with the AVP of Advancement Operations to ensure the integration of systems, data, analytics, and operational tools that drive accountability, enhance donor and alumni engagement, and enable sustainable growth. Ensure the development and use of clear metrics, reports, dashboards, and analytics across both fundraising and engagement functions to track performance, identify opportunities for growth, and demonstrate results. Provide Advancement leadership and key stakeholders with regular updates that highlight strategies, leading indicators, outcomes, and progress toward institutional goals. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management - 25% Manage a focused portfolio of 25-50 major and principal gift prospects-including high-net-worth individuals and families-by developing and executing customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans that result in commitments of $100,000 or more, including cash, non-cash, and planned gifts, while meeting or exceeding established performance metrics. Design and implement comprehensive donor strategies that align with Bethel's mission and institutional priorities, guiding relationships from identification through long-term stewardship. Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships through personalized engagement, including campus visits, strategic events, and high-touch communications. Prepare compelling proposals and presentations that connect donor interests with university priorities and funding opportunities. Maintain accurate and timely records in Salesforce, including strategy documentation, proposal tracking, relationship milestones, and pipeline updates. Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador of the university, representing Bethel with credibility and enthusiasm in external settings to engage alumni, parents, community leaders, and philanthropic partners. Stay current on philanthropic trends, donor giving models, and fundraising innovations, evaluating and applying emerging strategies to strengthen Bethel's culture of generosity and sustain long-term growth. Fundraising Strategy & Execution - 20% Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with the university's mission, financial goals, and advancement priorities-integrating alumni and parent engagement as essential components of the philanthropic pipeline. Take a forward-thinking and expeditious approach to donor engagement, proactively identifying opportunities, refining cultivation strategies, and accelerating gift conversations to drive year-over-year increases in philanthropic support. Provide strategic oversight of solicitation, stewardship, and recognition practices to ensure that every donor experience is mission-driven, donor-centered, and trust-building. Engagement Strategy & Execution - 20% Lead the integration of engagement into philanthropy, positioning alumni, parent, and family engagement as essential drivers of generosity, volunteer leadership, and advocacy for Bethel University. Empower and partner with Alumni & Family Relations leadership to design innovative, scalable, and mission-driven strategies that deepen lifelong connection to Bethel and inspire courageous generosity. Ensure the development and execution of signature events and programs as strategic entry points that build belonging, create memorable experiences, and connect constituents to volunteer pathways and giving opportunities. Ensure that communications, stewardship practices, and alumni/family experiences are aligned with Bethel's brand and advancement priorities, so that every engagement touchpoint advances the university's mission and philanthropic readiness Required Skills Leadership Skills: Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage teams, establish a culture of accountability, drive process improvements, and implement strategic initiatives while fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement. Collaboration Skills: Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including advancement operations, athletics, faculty, finance, and other departments to improve operational efficiency and achieve shared goals. Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging, present fundraising strategies to stakeholders, and engage effectively with high-capacity donors. Forward Thinking and Innovation: Proactive and strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate trends, adapt to the evolving philanthropic landscape, and implement innovative fundraising approaches. Demonstrated ability to think critically,... For full info follow application link. Bethel seeks to recruit, retain, develop, and support a diverse workforce who contributes to our educational and Christ-centered mission. Bethel encourages candidates to apply who can assist the University to develop a faculty that reflects the diversity of people in God s kingdom through a variety of ethnicities, cultures, and lived experiences. Learn more about our commitment to diversity in hiring . Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 6,300 students from 48 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world. Bethel employs qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, familial status, and status with regard to public assistance. Individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
