Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Senior Philanthropic Advisor

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 :

Preferred Qualifications :