Mount Holyoke College (MHC), a private liberal arts women’s college that is gender diverse and the oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges, seeks an innovative and collaborative Associate Vice President for Development (AVP) to lead fundraising activities and staff during an exciting time of renewal. Reporting to the Vice President for College Relations, the AVP will be a senior leader of the development team and will have a unique opportunity to call upon the support of a fiercely loyal and connected alum community, cultivating increased levels of philanthropic support in anticipation of the College’s next set of strategic priorities.
The MHC community is excited about the future growth and trajectory of the College, as President-elect Danielle R. Holley, a legal educator and social justice scholar, becomes president on July 1, 2023. The board of trustees has outlined priority initiatives around experiential education, career preparation, sustainability, and leadership that are galvanizing excitement and laying the groundwork for modernization.
This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished leader to strengthen MHC’s advancement program by integrating individual giving efforts, underscoring best practices, boosting annual giving, and applying data-driven strategies that will create a philanthropic enterprise that matches the creativity and drive of this exceptional liberal arts college. The AVP will educate and engage all members of the MHC community in development efforts in ways that reflect the collaborative and collegial culture of the College. Working closely with college leaders, the AVP will play an essential role in identifying and setting advancement priorities, designing compelling cases for support, and facilitating regular lines of communication across campus to advance the college’s overall fundraising efforts. Further, the AVP will contribute to building a culture of trust in an environment of shared governance, developing relationships with campus leaders and all campus constituents in support of the academic mission and the vision of President-elect Holley.
In partnership with the Vice President for College Relations, the AVP will be responsible for leading a donor-centric development program. This executive position involves managing, motivating, and mentoring the College’s centralized development team. This position functions as a thought leader for fundraising efforts and ensures the College’s development team collectively surpasses ambitious annual fundraising goals as well as activity benchmarks. Leading by example, the AVP will manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects. The AVP will architect targeted and comprehensive campaigns for Mount Holyoke.
The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of 10 years of fundraising experience, a keen understanding of best practices in fundraising, expertise in managing a frontline fundraising team, and a demonstrated record of accomplishment as a fundraiser. The candidate must possess a high level of integrity and credibility; be a self-starter with a sense of urgency and a clear set of priorities; and be adaptable to changing circumstances. The successful candidate must have extraordinary communication skills with a collegial, team-building style and a demonstrated ability to motivate staff as well as to cultivate productive, collaborative relationships with faculty and staff across campus. The candidate will foster a professional work environment that rewards individual and collective success, builds confidence, and promotes diversity in all its forms. In accordance with its core values and mission, Mount Holyoke is especially interested in recruiting members of diverse communities and individuals with a commitment to anti-racism. An undergraduate degree is required.
Application Instructions
Mount Holyoke College has partnered with Talent Citizen to assist in this recruitment. Please reach out to President Tracy D. Welsh and Senior Associate Rachel K. Partin to share your resume and cover letter via email at: mhc-avpd@talentcitizen.com.
Mount Holyoke College is a women’s college that is gender diverse. The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. In compliance with state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law.
