Assistant Vice President for Development

This position is no longer open.

Role Summary

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Development in Institutional Advancement provides strategic leadership, direction, and management for the Lebanese American University’s major fundraising programs in Lebanon and the MENA region. He/she is responsible for the management of relationships and securing gifts with a portfolio of top prospects and donors who have the capability of making highly significant contributions to LAU and to the LAU Health Foundation.

This opportunity calls for a professional with sixteen or more years of progressively senior experience in front-line fundraising and strong working knowledge of industry best practices relevant to the successful cultivation, solicitation, and closing of high-level prospects and benefactors for principal gifts. The AVP for Development is based in Lebanon and reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA).

The AVP for Development is a key member of the leadership team and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting fundraising for the university and its medical centers. He/she is responsible for developing specific metrics and performance plans that hold each unit accountable for overall fundraising goals.                                                                                                             

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a clear advanced capacity for strategic thinking, multi-tasking, relationship management, team leadership and effective execution. Initiative, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial drive are expected across the spectrum of tasks performed.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Manage Prospect Portfolio for LAU and for LAU Health Foundation:

• Develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the University’s mission, programs and capital projects through successful solicitations and effective management of a prospect portfolio of approximately 200 prospective donors in Lebanon and the MENA region
• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards high-capacity alumni, friends, and corporate and foundation prospects for the university for both major and planned gifts
• Reports to the VPIA, and collaborate with the President, VP Global Advancement, university leadership, Deans and CEOs of the Medical Centers to build and implement effective strategies that will lead to beneficial long-term relationships and significant gift support from prospective donors
• Leads all aspects of the gift cycle: builds a prospect list, initiates contacts with prospective major gifts donors, develops cultivation strategies, prepares compelling proposals and presentations, and ultimately advances potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure
• Oversees stewardship of donors ensuring acknowledgment of contributions. Develops and implements recognition programs to express gratitude to donors
• Adheres to the highest ethical standards
• Provides regular reports on all projects
• Manages portfolios of major gift prospects and donors
• Coordinates with Global Advancement to ensure the successful implementation of the global capital campaign strategy
• Manages, coaches and assists development staff, sets yearly KPIs and development goals, and monitors progress ensuring that fundraising goals are met
• Manages to grow LAU’s existing endowment
• Manages private sector giving and grant opportunities, and public sector ones selectively, developing proposals as required
• Coordinates with various University Departments including the Alumni Relations Office, to increase the number of donors
• Uses data and analytics to identify areas for improvement
• Sets the Development Office budget, establishes and adheres to annual operating budgets
• Travels when needed to meet fundraising objectives

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Minimum of 16 years of progressive senior gift/fundraising or business development experience, preferably in non-profit or higher education environment, including a proven track of successful major gift solicitation, and proposal development and management, as well as possession of a strong portfolio of donors or clients
• Strong communication (verbal and written) skills in English and Arabic
• Strong understanding of Lebanon and the Middle East
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships both within the full campus community and with all external contacts, exercising diplomacy and tact at all times
• Becoming familiar with all aspects of LAU history, strategic plan and programs
• Embrace the mission and vision of LAU
• Demonstrate persistence, commitment, and positive attitude
• Demonstrate creativity and integrity in managing the best interests of LAU and the donors
• Maintain utmost confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively on simultaneous projects, setting priorities and meeting deadlines
• Competency in Office suite and CRM required
• Cultural sensitivity and professional behavior are required at all times

Interested candidates should email their CVs with a letter of interest outlining the applicant’s relevant experience to vacancy8@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line. 

CVs should include the exact month and year while listing the candidate’s professional experience and educational background.

Closing date for accepting applications is Friday, March 15, 2024.

No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

The Lebanese American University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.