Job Summary

This position advises the President on all matters pertaining to the University’s fundraising strategy and the management of the Advancement operations including Development and Alumni Relations, Marketing/Communications, and Sponsored Programs. The CAO manages a team of professional and contracted staff to convey the mission and vision of APU, raise the profile of the university, and achieve fundraising goals. The CAO also works in collaboration with the university foundation’s board of directors to further the strategic priorities of the president. The position is a member of the President’s Council and the University Coordinating Council.

Representative Duties

Development and Alumni Relations

• Develops and implements the annual Development Plan with defined goals and objectives for annual fund contributions, restricted gifts, and major/planned gifts.
• Provides daily oversight and administration of fundraising including major, principal, and planned gifts, endowments, prospect research, foundation, corporate and donor relations as well as specific campaign efforts. Manages the Annual Fund effort to meet the annual fund-raising targets established in the Development Plan.
• Stewards major gifts, planned giving, and endowment initiatives:
  • Identifies and builds relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of APU and its programs.
  • Solicits individual and corporate gifts from existing and potential major donors.
• Works closely with the President, Board of Trustees, APU foundation, and Executive Leadership to identify, cultivate, and solicit current and potential donors at any gift level.
• Represents APU in external contact with past and future donors, funding organizations, and potential donor and supporting organizations.
• Expands APU’s donor base through the development of new fundraising programs, the growth of existing fundraising programs, and the identification and cultivation of new prospects.
• Develops and implements strategies, methods, and activities to ensure proper acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship of all gifts.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of all development programs and securing gifts at various levels.
• Supervises University Alumni Relations functions
  • Coordinates related events and reunions
• Maintains development databases and prepare monthly fund-raising reports for the President and Board Advancement Committee.

Marketing and Communications

• Supervises communications and marketing staff, collaborating with colleagues to promote and maintain the visibility of the University in Anchorage and the larger Alaska community.
• Oversees organization and development of events, publications, promotions and media presentations to foster awareness and support of the university.
• Facilitates timely, accurate, and creative marketing and communications services to University departments such as Admissions, Development and Alumni Relations, and the President’s Office.

Sponsored Programs

• Provides strategic vision to the cultivation of external support through grants, contracts, and other sponsored activities.
• Manage the review, approval, negotiation and administration of research, educational, and public service proposals, grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and subawards.
• Works with the President, Provost, and other members of the APU community to ensure coordination of efforts to cultivate and acknowledge external funding.
• Works to advance the quality and integrity of funded research and other sponsored programs, developing processes and procedures to support grant management and compliance processes.
• Supervise grant writing, pre-award project management, and post-award grant administration; contribute to planning and writing of grants as needed.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to faculty, staff, students, and partners in the development of sponsored project proposals to advance the University’s mission.

Other

• Completes internal and external written and oral reports professionally and in a timely manner.
• Coordinates with APU Finance and Accounting to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Shares On-Call Administrator responsibilities with members of the executive team.
• Oversees and manages budgets of the Office of Advancement and Sponsored Programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of best practices within the development profession, including those related to deferred giving, annual fund management, direct mail, corporate and foundation relations, use of new social media, and other areas that support fund-raising efforts.
• Skill in working with major gifts, capital campaigns, donor research, alumni relations and corporate and foundation relations.
• Understanding of compliance in research administration, including 2 CFR 200.
• Experience with strategic planning and change management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in public speaking and representing the organization in large groups.
• Skill in implementing strategic plans, goals, and procedures for cost effective management of allocated resources.
• Skill in effectively leading and mentoring staff.
• Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Skill in working with a culturally and linguistically diverse group of employees, alumni and potential donors.

Minimum Education Qualification

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university.

Minimum Experience Qualification

Non-Supervisory: Ten (10) years’ experience in development, marketing, and/or sponsored programs with progressively increasing responsibilities and knowledge.

Preferred Experience Qualification

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE), and/or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credentials.
• Experience in higher education.

Additional Requirements

• An Alaska driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
• Ability to be away from principal work site during the day and other travel as required.
• Ability to work extended hours during the workweek and weekends.