Director of Advancement

Director of Advancement

Job no:

50000186
Work type:

Full time
Location:

Virginia Beach
Categories:

Staff & Administration

Regent University seeks a strategic and relationship-driven fundraising professional to join the Office of Advancement as a Director of Advancement (Major Gift Officer). Reporting to the AVP of Advancement, this individual will play a critical role in advancing Regent's mission by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors in support of university priorities, including an upcoming capital campaign designed to double residential enrollment to 4,000 students by 2030.

The Director of Advancement will manage a portfolio of approximately 100-150 qualified major gift prospects and donors, with primary responsibility for securing five, six, and seven-figure gifts that directly impact student scholarships, academic programs, capital projects, and university operations. This position requires travel, strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to Christian higher education.

Work Location:

Virginia Beach, VA. Qualified candidates may be considered for remote work.

Essential Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management & Donor Engagement

Manage and grow a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors capable of giving $25,000 or more
Conduct face-to-face visits each month with donors and prospects to build meaningful, authentic relationships
Develop and execute individualized cultivation strategies for each prospect, including personalized proposals, impact reports, and stewardship touchpoints
Qualify prospects through strategic discovery conversations, assessing giving capacity, interests, and philanthropic motivations
Move donors through the cultivation cycle from identification to solicitation to stewardship using proven moves management strategies
Close major gifts at the five- and six-figure level annually, meeting or exceeding fundraising goals established by leadership
Strategic Fundraising & Campaign Support

Actively support institutional priorities through targeted solicitation efforts
Collaborate with the AVP of Advancement, President's Office, and academic leadership to align donor interests with university needs
Prepare comprehensive briefing materials, customized proposals, and presentation materials for donor meetings
Coordinate with Advancement colleagues on annual giving, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations to maximize donor engagement
Work with University leadership, Board members, and key volunteers to facilitate peer-to-peer solicitations
Donor Stewardship & Relationship Building

Provide exceptional stewardship for all donors in portfolio, ensuring timely and meaningful recognition of gifts
Create customized stewardship plans that demonstrate impact and inspire continued investment
Coordinate campus visits, facility tours, and engagement opportunities that connect donors to Regent's mission
Record all donor interactions, strategies, and contact reports in the donor database (CRM) within 24-48 hours of each meeting
Monitor donor communication preferences and ensure personalized, mission-aligned engagement
Collaboration & Institutional Representation

Represent Regent University at donor events, cultivation activities, and fundraising functions, including evenings and weekends as needed
Work collaboratively across departments, including Admissions, Student Life, Academics, and Communications to facilitate donor connections
Stay current on university programs, strategic initiatives, enrollment goals, and institutional achievements to effectively articulate Regent's vision and impact
Participate in professional development opportunities and maintain knowledge of fundraising best practices and trends in Christian higher education
Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution
Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gift solicitation
Proven track record of personally soliciting and closing gifts of $50,000 or more
Experience managing a donor portfolio and implementing strategic moves management
Candidates must have:

Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with ability to connect authentically with diverse constituencies
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and presentation abilities
Strategic thinking and ability to match donor interests with institutional priorities
Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office Suite
Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in managing complex donor relationships
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
Faith & Mission Alignment

Committed follower of Jesus Christ with a mature Christian faith and personal relationship with the Lord
Strong commitment to Regent University's mission to provide Christian leadership to change the world
Ability to articulate and represent a Christian worldview in all aspects of the role
Active involvement in a local church community
Background in marketing, sales, or business development preferred
Commitment to Regent's core values of Excellence, Innovation, and Integrity
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Travel:

Travel required (25% of time), including overnight trips throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally
Schedule:

Flexibility required for evening and weekend donor meetings, cultivation events, and university functions
Physical Demands:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during travel and meetings; occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds
Environment:

Standard office environment with frequent off-site meetings in donor homes, businesses, and restaurants
Benefits

Regent offers a wide range of generous benefits including health, life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; tuition incentives; fully vested retirement plans; life and disability insurance options, time off, and more. All regular faculty and staff serving at Regent and working a minimum of 30 hours per week will receive an attractive benefits package.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

Current resume/CV
Cover letter describing your fundraising philosophy, relevant experience, and alignment with Regent's Christian mission
List of three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.

Regent University does not discriminate in employment in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status. For full Non-Discrimination Policy click here.

Advertised:

23 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

31 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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