PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.
Benefits:
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.
PLNU is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Associate Vice President of Development to lead and grow the university’s major gifts, planned giving, and foundation fundraising efforts during an exciting season of institutional growth and campaign preparation. This executive advancement leader will play a critical role in shaping philanthropic strategy, mentoring a high-performing frontline fundraising team, and cultivating transformational partnerships that advance PLNU’s mission and future vision.
Salary:
Pay range $133,000 - $165,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.
Job Status:
Full time
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What We’re Looking For
Proven success leading major gift and planned giving fundraising strategies within higher education or complex nonprofit environments
Strong ability to cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and philanthropic partners
Demonstrated leadership experience managing fundraising professionals in a metrics-driven environment
Strategic thinker with the ability to build scalable fundraising systems, donor engagement strategies, and campaign initiatives
Experience designing and implementing comprehensive planned giving and estate giving programs
Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire donors, volunteers, and institutional leaders
Ability to analyze fundraising data, pipeline activity, and campaign performance to drive strategic decisions
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to partner effectively across university departments and leadership teams
High level of professionalism, discretion, judgment, and emotional intelligence
Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred
What You’ll Be Doing
Provide strategic leadership and direction for PLNU’s major gifts, planned giving, and foundation fundraising programs
Lead and mentor a frontline fundraising team including Major Gift Officers, Planned Giving, and Foundation Relations staff
Design and implement a comprehensive planned giving strategy focused on expanding revocable and irrevocable estate gifts
Develop integrated strategies, engagement plans, and marketing efforts to grow planned giving and estate giving pipelines
Serve as a player-coach by managing a portfolio of major donors and high-net-worth planned giving prospects
Lead fundraising strategy development in preparation for PLNU’s comprehensive campaign launching in 2027
Establish moves management strategies, fundraising metrics, and accountability systems for development officers
Partner with advancement leadership to implement campaign priorities, special initiatives, and presidential fundraising goals
Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to identify funding priorities and develop compelling cases for support
Provide strategic oversight for donor stewardship, campaign reporting, and advancement communications
Ensure accurate documentation and donor activity reporting within Raiser’s Edge and related advancement systems
Support integration of gift and estate planning strategies across all frontline fundraising activities
Represent PLNU at donor meetings, engagement events, conferences, and philanthropic gatherings
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
At least ten years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising and team leadership, preferably within a higher education or comparably complex non-profit environment
Thorough knowledge of development principles and a strong record of accomplishment in creating and managing a comprehensive major gifts program
Demonstrated success discovering, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts in excess of $50,000
Success soliciting and closing major, blended, and revocable/irrevocable estate and planned gifts
Familiarity with estate planning instruments, products, principles, and marketing programs, and success integrating gift and estate planning into a comprehensive major gifts program
Proven success leading a disciplined moves management strategy with a portfolio of individuals
Experience collaborating with academic and administrative leadership to define strategic projects and initiatives, drafting cases for support, and developing engagement experiences and events
A high level of professional and spiritual maturity, judgment and decisiveness to motivate fellow staff and volunteers, and to inspire confidence among donor prospects
Strong administrative and systems experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant
The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws
The Ideal Candidate Will Be
A strong self-starter with a positive attitude and intrinsic motivation
Creative, highly productive, flexible, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Comfortable with travel and flexible work schedules including occasional mornings, evenings, and weekends
An excellent communicator with a winsome and relational leadership style
Effective at collaborating across teams in a metrics-driven fundraising environment
Passionate about advancing PLNU’s Christian mission and institutional vision
Known for honesty, responsiveness, follow-through, servant leadership, confidentiality, initiative, and adaptability
Able to work effectively under pressure while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Proficient in Raiser’s Edge, Google Apps, Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel
Physical Requirements
Work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting for extended periods of time
Use of computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor
Ability to read documents, email, reports, and other correspondence on paper and computer monitor
Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone
Ability to stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 pounds
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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.
Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.
