Vice President of Development Operations

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Development Operations (VPDO) is a key leadership position and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting Maharishi International University. This position is responsible for all fundraising and development activities, forging new relationships to build the university's visibility, impact, and financial resources.

The VPD will design and implement a comprehensive plan for the Development Department’s strategy, focused on elevating MIU’s reputation and broadening its impact through a well-planned fundraising roadmap, aimed at strengthening MIU’s overall fundraising capacity.

The VPD will be expected to develop key external alliances, by cultivating a portfolio of individual and philanthropic supporters. This position will have primary responsibility for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to grow the University’s budget through the solicitation of major gifts, grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support, expanding MIU’s donor base and working closely with other team members and departments to create donation opportunities.

The Vice President of Development Operations' ability to secure vital financial resources is essential for the university's sustained growth and continued success.

Key Responsibilities:

1. DONOR RELATIONSHIPS

• Creates, implements, manages and assesses a comprehensive donor relations plan to support MIU’s fundraising efforts including responding to donor concerns and/or requests, gift acknowledgements, program information and stewardship.
• Designs and implements growth and retention strategies with existing donors and opportunities to forge new donor relationships/pipelines.
• Fosters a positive, ongoing relationship with donors and ensures a long-term relationship is forged by maintaining contact and proactively educating donors on outcomes and results achieved through their contributions and MIU’s efforts.
• Cultivate, build, and maintain relationships with key donors, alumni, and philanthropic organizations.

2. STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Works closely with the University’s leadership to establish appropriate fundraising goals, priorities and policies, and implement strategic initiatives to support the university’s mission and vision.
• Provides development strategies with special campaigns that fall under the umbrella of any University-wide capital campaign.
• Engages the university President and Board members in cultivating and closing gifts, as appropriate.
• Creates fundraising strategies to wrap around appropriate events, initiatives, and programmatic work.
• Develops a strong communications and recognition strategy for donors and prospects to maintain and build the image of MIU.
• Develop actionable plans to grow the university's endowment.

3. TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Leads the Development team in planning and implementing long- and short-term strategies to secure gifts from individuals and organizations through major, planned and annual gifts.
• Manages and nurtures the Development staff, including hiring, training, and evaluating their performance.
• Sets up the team’s and individual’s objectives and performance expectations, establishing measurable goals to increase fundraising results that are both aspirational and achievable.
• Provides direction and leadership for research and prospect management to ensure team members have the information they need to target their work with prospective donors.
• Develops and fosters a culture that emphasizes collaboration and teamwork and recognizes shared success.

4. FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

• Establishes and adheres to annual operating budgets and ensures that development programs are operating in a fiscally prudent and productive way, allocating resources efficiently.
• Provide regular reports to the university leadership and board on fundraising progress and impact.

5. MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

• Work closely with the marketing and communications team to promote the university's fundraising initiatives.
• Enhance the university's image and visibility in the philanthropic community.

6. ALUMNA ENGAGEMENT

• Develop strategies to engage alumni in fundraising and other university initiatives.
• Organize alumni events and communications to strengthen alumni relationships.

7. COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS

• Ensure all development activities comply with relevant laws, ethical standards, and university policies.

8. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Collaborate with various university departments, faculty, and external partners to ensure cohesive and integrated development efforts.

Skill Requirements:

• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills. Deep understanding of fundraising strategies and donor relations.
• Strong team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and volunteers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adeptly crafting proposals and presentations and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional skills in building and maintaining relationships with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically, analytically, and creatively about fundraising opportunities and challenges.
• Understanding of financial planning and budget management in fundraising and development.
• Strong networking skills, with the ability to connect and collaborate with various internal and external constituencies.
• High ethical standards and familiarity with legal and ethical issues in fundraising.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in business, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• Extensive experience in fundraising, development, and leadership, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within a development office, preferably in higher education or a similar complex organization.