Chief Advancement Officer and Vice President, Thomas Edison State University Foundation
D36
Office of Public Affairs
111 W. State Street Trenton, NJ 08608

Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 to break down barriers to degree completion.  Nearly fifty years later, we proudly serve a diverse body of adult students with innovative and professionally relevant academic programming.  Our team of high-energy student- focused professionals is welcoming new members who are ready to make their mark in education and help change the lives of thousands of adult students across New Jersey and around the world. 

If you are excited by changing lives, committed to the success of all, and want to be challenged by new and innovative opportunities, we look forward to receiving your application.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the President and serving on cabinet, the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is the University’s senior fund and friend raiser. As such, the CAO plays a critical role in building and sustaining meaningful relationships with individuals, corporations and foundations leading to enhance greater University support. This CAO is the primary liaison to the TESU Foundation Board of Directors and oversees the team responsible for annual giving, major gifts, alumni relations and grants. Further, the CAO is an active and valuable contributor to university strategy and leadership.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1)    Advises the President and other University leaders on all matters related to fundraising.
2)    Provides leadership for all aspects of major gift, foundation and corporate fundraising to include establishing, coordinating and implementing goals and strategies.
3)    Manages all aspects of the TESU Foundation Board of Directors, including cultivation of new board members. 
4)    Leads and supports the fundraising team, including but limited to donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing, recognition, and performance analytics 
5)    Provides counsel and advice on major gift strategies, effective visits and contacts, and appropriate follow up and stewardship.
6)    Develops a sound, achievable, comprehensive operational fundraising strategy to meet the goals for unrestricted and private restricted fundraising.
7)    Oversees engagement with our university 50,000+ alumni.
8)    Fosters a culture of philanthropy within the University.
9)    Maintains the highest level of ethical standards, accountability and compliance for development operations and funding sources.
10)    Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1)    Experience with foundation board operations and board member cultivation. 
2)    Professional leadership that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.
3)    Advanced and proven skills to secure major gifts, manage comprehensive campaigns, build a community of motivated supporters and leverage data to drive results.
4)    Working knowledge of development best practices, trends, technology innovation, and donor research.
5)    Extreme discretion, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
6)    Deep appreciation and understanding of TESU’s mission and the ability

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Bachelor's degree or higher.
•    5+ years progressive experience in fundraising and organizational philanthropy efforts.
•    3+ years of leadership experience within higher education/nonprofit philanthropy, corporate foundations and/or related experience 

Working Conditions:

•    25-30 percent travel