Executive Director, Campaign

Executive Director, Campaign

Category: Professional/Executive
Department: Institutional Advancement
Locations: Westfield, MA
Type: Full-Time
Salary Type: Annually
Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $135,000.00
Position ID: 201015
About Westfield State University:
In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.
Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of our 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst with a selection of museums, theater, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont.
You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values.
Our Values:
Embrace Diversity - We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
Maintain Excellence and Integrity - We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
Collaborate with Each Other - We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
Provide Accessible Education - We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
Build a Strong Community - We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
Engage the Outside Community - We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.
Job Description:
Campus Title: Executive Director, Campaign (EDC)
State Job Title: Executive Director
Department: Institutional Advancement
Job Code: HA6200
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-6014
Bargaining Unit: Non-Unit Professional
Job Type: Full-Time (4 Years with Possibility of Extension)
Timeframe: 52 Weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: Reports Directly to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Supervision Exercised: Major Gifts Officer, Campaign Strategic Communications Manager, Campaign Gifts Officer, Graduate Assistants, Interns.
Salary: $130,000.00 to $135,000.00 Annually (salary commensurate with education and experience)
General Statement of Duties:
The EDC is the professional responsible for the weekly planning, organization, research, and implementation of a comprehensive fund-raising campaign, working under the supervision of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VPIA) and in consultation with colleagues, the University President, and Campaign Counsel. The EDC coordinates identification, enlistment, and training of volunteers; identification, engagement, and solicitation of prospects. In addition, provides leadership for the implementation of the University's 2026 - 2030 Strategic Plan's advancement goals.
The EDC keeps campaign activities within a specific and limited timetable. The position is the central clearing house through which all campaign volunteers function and from which vision, reinforcement, patience, persistence, and judgment regarding campaign activities come.
In consultation with the VPIA and Campaign Counsel, the EDC determines how and to whom the agreed-upon campaign is directed; monitors the number and type of prospects needed and available; brings a professional knowledge of how to solicit campaign prospects; implements the plan and timetable; and sells that plan to all volunteers of the campaign.
The EDC is primarily responsible and accountable to the VPIA, and the Campaign Chair(s), in consultation with Senior Campaign Counsel on a weekly basis and depends upon the same for the implementation of the campaign plan. He/she must maintain a relationship based upon mutual respect and confidence, objectivity, and insistence on accepted campaign methods.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Collaborate with the VPIA, Executive Director, Senior Staff, Board members and volunteer campaign leadership to manage, update and implement a strategic plan for the campaign.
Work with IA staff to set up the office and identify, develop, and prepare the files of prospective donors and volunteers, with guidance from Campaign Counsel's Associate.
Carry out a tailored campaign strategy developed with input from the VPIA and the Campaign Counsel team, based on feedback and analysis from the campaign planning study, one-on-one interviews, and advice and guidance from the Campaign Cabinet, Board members, and other philanthropic partners and colleagues.
The EDC also works with the VPIA and the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement / Westfield State University Foundation to create and execute a comprehensive principal and major gift prospect solicitation program to support campaign initiatives.
Manage the development of the written case for support after seeking counsel and samples from similar organizations. This document must have clear and specific opportunities outlined, as well as preliminary plans, a definite budget, and an accurate estimate of costs; and it must reflect the highest aspirations of the University's leaders, whose voices must be expressed in the values and goals agreed upon and outlined.
Work with the Campaign Cabinet and staff to identify, qualify, and engage prospects necessary to achieve the campaign's standards of giving for optimum success.
Facilitate the formal enlistment of all soliciting volunteers as well as non-soliciting committees involved in the campaign. Working with the Foundation Board and Board of Trustees leadership, VPIA and University President create a Campaign volunteer enlistment plan that results in a diverse and active Campaign Cabinet that is understanding of the strategic goals of the University and the Campaign. In addition, brings impactful relationships to the University through the Campaign.
Manage all volunteer assignments and make recommendations to the Campaign Division Chairs on who solicits whom, when, and how, with individualized solicitor briefings and prospect proposals for major prospects. Together with Campaign Counsel and the VPIA, design individualized solicitation proposals for each Board member and Top 50 prospects. Advance agreed-upon, dynamic strategies to ensure that sufficient time and attention are paid to this group that will likely give over 75% of the entire goal.
Oversee volunteer training utilizing a training manual, workshops, and individual briefings, utilizing Campaign Counsel and other resources as may be required.
Manage the campaign timetable and keep meetings, events, and goals on schedule.
Follow a campaign organizational chart to establish the type of worker and number of volunteers needed. Develop and refine job duties. Work with the Campaign Cabinet to select the best possible person for each task.
Manage the overall organization of information and report meetings.
Support efficient campaign mechanics to control the campaign and maximize efficiency.
Partner with colleagues to establish a pledge collection system that assures the maximum payment of pledges and the continued goodwill of contributors.
Partner with colleagues, Campaign Counsel, and volunteer leaders to build a culture of philanthropy resulting in improved and sustainable Advancement outcomes.
Manage and solicit a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects ($10,000+ per gift), including those interested in a planned gift. Travel to meet existing and prospective donors. Initiate contacts with potential leadership and major gift donors. Develop appropriate cultivation strategies, working closely with Institutional Advancement staff.
Work with the VPIA, the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement / Westfield State University Foundation, and Donor Relations staff to establish a campaign communications plan for Westfield's internal and external constituencies.
Serve as a member of the IA Leadership Team to set direction for engagement, general fundraising, and staff development.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in a related field.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising and development is required, preferably in higher education