Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Working Title: Senior Philanthropic Advisor

State Role Title: Administrative and Professional Faculty

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Principal Relationships

Department: 100650 - Principal Giving

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Specify Range or Amount: N/A

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 09/17/2025

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
Located in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

James Madison University (JMU) seeks a seasoned and successful professional to join the Principal Giving team in University Advancement as Senior Philanthropic Advisor at the Director level. The Senior Philanthropic Advisor will have a key role in building relationships and securing principal-level gifts for JMU that will have a transformative impact on the success of our students, faculty and campus environment. The successful candidate will have a passion for facilitating impactful philanthropy with individuals and families and will have the knowledge and tools to open and close conversations involving outright, deferred, and blended gifts of $1M+. A natural affinity for collaboration with university colleagues to serve and negotiate the best interests of JMU and the donors is also a key attribute.

JMU's star continues to rise. We have recently welcomed President Jim Schmidt and his exciting, thoughtful vision for JMU. Following the successful Unleashed campaign, which exceeded the stretch goal by 25 percent, we are now planning and staffing for a next, more ambitious campaign along with a strategic plan being finalized during FY26. The Principal Giving team collectively plays a critical role in significantly advancing JMU's strategic priorities and the success of our students, faculty and campus environment.

The Senior Philanthropic Advisor reports to the AVP for Principal Giving in University Advancement. The Senior Philanthropic Advisor is a senior member of the Principal Giving team and also serves as an experienced, creative and strategic thought partner with colleagues across University Advancement and beyond, with an eye towards sharing and developing best practices with fellow Director-level colleagues and collaborating on moving gifts and prospective donors through a successful donor development cycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and continue to build a portfolio of 50-75 relationships with a focus on proactively identifying and engaging new high net worth donors.
• Meet metrics developed in collaboration with the AVP for Principal Giving.
• Close gifts of $1M+ with a donor-centric approach that meets the needs and priorities of JMU. Close gifts at other levels when appropriate with high net-worth individuals and families who have future potential for principal-level philanthropy.
• Manage donor and prospective donor relationships with consistent focus and high-touch engagement, cultivation, and stewardship that lead to successful solicitations. Clarity and attention to detail in communication and thorough documentation of donor interactions are key responsibilities.
• Develop, implement, and refine customized strategies to advance each prospective donor's meaningful connection to JMU's priorities, documenting and updating these plans, and leading to principal-level philanthropic investment. Include engagement with university leadership and university colleagues as a part of these individualized plans where appropriate and effective, following established policies and best practices.
• Provide insight and expertise on complex gift opportunities, including but not limited to blending deferred and outright commitments, DAFs, real estate and other real property, and business interests.
• Shape and communicate, orally and in writing, compelling giving opportunities that match donors' interests with institutional initiatives and leadership priorities.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gift solicitations in the university's CRM.
• Provide regular reports on progress, including portfolio development and solicitation activity.
• The Senior Philanthropic Advisor may also assist the AVP for Principal Giving in managing relationships with designated academic partners and establishing practices for successful Principal Giving campaign preparation.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Significant experience with donor / client relationships and success in meeting and exceeding targets, using metrics to ensure accountability.
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families.
• Familiarity with complex gift/financial vehicles.
• Experience with deferred (planned) giving techniques and tools to facilitate transformative philanthropy.
• Effectiveness as both individual contributor and team member.
• Highly motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• A proven self-starter with a strong work ethic.
• Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues for shared wins.
• Strong skill in uncovering connections, networks, and interests while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent judgement and ability to discern levels of risk and rewards.
• Demonstrated integrity in managing complex relationships and confidential information.
• Ability to relate to people and build bridges of common understanding and trust.
• Experience and demonstrated discipline in engaging, cultivating, and stewarding new stakeholders and converting into long-term partnerships.
• Ability and willingness to travel as necessary and work flexible hours, including some evenings and during weekends, to meet with donors/prospects and execute strategic moves.
• Ability to be on campus in Harrisonburg, VA as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience with donors, prospects, and/or high net worth clients.
• Master's degree or credential such as Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
• Data or financial analysis skills.

Additional Posting Information:

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.