Associate Director of Endowment Services and Fund Management
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States
Associate Director of Endowment Services and Fund Management
Position Summary
Position Summary:
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum. Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova University has embarked on a 10‑year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission‑driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we “keep moving” in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova’s comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova.
The Associate Director of Endowment Services and Fund Management reports to the Director of Stewardship and is a key member of the Stewardship team. This role has primary responsibility for stewardship operations with a focus on endowed and restricted fund oversight, fund management and communications, and the development and execution of internal procedures that support accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities
Gift Agreement processing and workflow, and strategic support : Manage the gift agreement process, from review and approval of standard agreements to analyzing gift agreement workflow and creating efficiencies. Negotiate, draft, and implement clear and concise complex leadership donor gift agreements that thoughtfully and strategically balance the donor’s wishes with the University’s needs and which comply with federal, state and University agreement for the administration of gifts. Assist the Director in reviewing and providing guidance on unusual or complex gift agreements. Liaise between Stewardship and General Counsel concerning gift agreements and naming opportunities that may require legal review and approval. Manage the signature and distribution process, leveraging existing technologies including Adobe Sign and Salesforce.
Endowment and restricted fund services : Conduct periodic fund audits to review the University’s compliance with executed gift agreements. Collaborate with the Director to conduct a monthly review of gift agreements for checks and balances. Work closely with the Finance Department on the activation of funds and coordinate with partners across the University to properly educate on appropriate fund usage.
Stewardship Operations : Participate in strategic planning for the Stewardship program, including ongoing assessment of processes across the Stewardship operation to streamline and create efficiencies without sacrificing quality. Work with internal partners to ensure integrity of data and provide quality assurance for reports and data. Support the development and maintenance of a standard operation manual for Stewardship processes and procedures.
Direct donor‑funded named asset opportunities : Establish and update guidelines and standards for donor naming of university assets. Liaise between Advancement and Facilities to properly assist with naming opportunities and recommended gift minimums.
Supervision of the Stewardship Associate, Endowment Services : Manage, mentor, and lead the Stewardship Associate, Endowment Services. Provide ongoing feedback regarding professional development consistent with the University’s performance management process and foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
Perform other duties and assist with special projects assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
3‑5 years of similar or related experience required.
Must possess knowledge of Advancement industry practices, with particular focus on operations and stewardship functions.
Experience with fundraising gift administration and stewardship strategy; strong understanding of higher education financial endowment management practices and fund administration required.
Demonstrated comfort managing and analyzing complex data files to assist with reporting and constituent outreach required.
Very strong interpersonal skills including both written and verbal communications are required.
Must demonstrate an ability to work on and oversee multiple projects and improve processes; ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment with a sound understanding of quality customer service.
Strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive mindset with sound judgement.
Flexible and responsive approach to workplace needs, and ability to quickly assimilate information.
Excellent critical thinking skills and must be capable of working with processes that require analytical skills and problem‑solving and demonstrate comfort in being responsible for many simultaneous and detail‑oriented duties, and ability to build partnerships with frontline staff and members of the broader University community.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience in working with CRMs such as Salesforce and relational databases with an understanding of advancement industry system applications required.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in non‑profit or higher education development preferred.
Experience developing contracts or legal documents a plus.
Prior knowledge of or experience with Banner and Cognos, is a plus.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours Ability to travel and work some nights/evenings in support of cultivation/recognition events.
Special Message to Applicants Posting Date: 01/28/2026 Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range for this position is $71,700–$89,600. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity. Salary Band: 16. Job Classification: exempt.
References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed: 3. Maximum Number of References Needed: 3.
Supplemental Questions
* How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
Indeed.com
Higheredjobs.com
LinkedIn
Glassdoor
Chronicle Vitae
Academic Keys
PA CareerLink/JobGateway
Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
Diversity Association/Publication Website
Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
Referred by a current employee
Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
Heard about it at a conference or career fair
Browsing the Villanova website
Cabrini University employee
Other
* If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A. (Open Ended Question)
Documents needed to complete your application Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum. Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova University has embarked on a 10‑year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission‑driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we “keep moving” in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova’s comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova.
The Associate Director of Endowment Services and Fund Management reports to the Director of Stewardship and is a key member of the Stewardship team. This role has primary responsibility for stewardship operations with a focus on endowed and restricted fund oversight, fund management and communications, and the development and execution of internal procedures that support accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities
Gift Agreement processing and workflow, and strategic support : Manage the gift agreement process, from review and approval of standard agreements to analyzing gift agreement workflow and creating efficiencies. Negotiate, draft, and implement clear and concise complex leadership donor gift agreements that thoughtfully and strategically balance the donor’s wishes with the University’s needs and which comply with federal, state and University agreement for the administration of gifts. Assist the Director in reviewing and providing guidance on unusual or complex gift agreements. Liaise between Stewardship and General Counsel concerning gift agreements and naming opportunities that may require legal review and approval. Manage the signature and distribution process, leveraging existing technologies including Adobe Sign and Salesforce.
Endowment and restricted fund services : Conduct periodic fund audits to review the University’s compliance with executed gift agreements. Collaborate with the Director to conduct a monthly review of gift agreements for checks and balances. Work closely with the Finance Department on the activation of funds and coordinate with partners across the University to properly educate on appropriate fund usage.
Stewardship Operations : Participate in strategic planning for the Stewardship program, including ongoing assessment of processes across the Stewardship operation to streamline and create efficiencies without sacrificing quality. Work with internal partners to ensure integrity of data and provide quality assurance for reports and data. Support the development and maintenance of a standard operation manual for Stewardship processes and procedures.
Direct donor‑funded named asset opportunities : Establish and update guidelines and standards for donor naming of university assets. Liaise between Advancement and Facilities to properly assist with naming opportunities and recommended gift minimums.
Supervision of the Stewardship Associate, Endowment Services : Manage, mentor, and lead the Stewardship Associate, Endowment Services. Provide ongoing feedback regarding professional development consistent with the University’s performance management process and foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
Perform other duties and assist with special projects assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
3‑5 years of similar or related experience required.
Must possess knowledge of Advancement industry practices, with particular focus on operations and stewardship functions.
Experience with fundraising gift administration and stewardship strategy; strong understanding of higher education financial endowment management practices and fund administration required.
Demonstrated comfort managing and analyzing complex data files to assist with reporting and constituent outreach required.
Very strong interpersonal skills including both written and verbal communications are required.
Must demonstrate an ability to work on and oversee multiple projects and improve processes; ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment with a sound understanding of quality customer service.
Strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive mindset with sound judgement.
Flexible and responsive approach to workplace needs, and ability to quickly assimilate information.
Excellent critical thinking skills and must be capable of working with processes that require analytical skills and problem‑solving and demonstrate comfort in being responsible for many simultaneous and detail‑oriented duties, and ability to build partnerships with frontline staff and members of the broader University community.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience in working with CRMs such as Salesforce and relational databases with an understanding of advancement industry system applications required.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in non‑profit or higher education development preferred.
Experience developing contracts or legal documents a plus.
Prior knowledge of or experience with Banner and Cognos, is a plus.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours Ability to travel and work some nights/evenings in support of cultivation/recognition events.
Special Message to Applicants Posting Date: 01/28/2026 Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range for this position is $71,700–$89,600. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity. Salary Band: 16. Job Classification: exempt.
References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed: 3. Maximum Number of References Needed: 3.
Supplemental Questions
* How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
Indeed.com
Higheredjobs.com
Glassdoor
Chronicle Vitae
Academic Keys
PA CareerLink/JobGateway
Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
Diversity Association/Publication Website
Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
Referred by a current employee
Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
Heard about it at a conference or career fair
Browsing the Villanova website
Cabrini University employee
Other
* If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A. (Open Ended Question)
Documents needed to complete your application Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
#J-18808-Ljbffr