The Darden faculty, which totals about 90, is consistently rated among the best in the world. Darden has several academic research centers and exchange programs with a number of other graduate schools of business around the world, including schools in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions. The Darden School’s Enterprise-wide annual budget is in excess of $75 million, and the School has an endowment of approximately $300 million. Located on its own campus on the University of Virginia grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Darden School is a financially self-sufficient unit of the University of Virginia.

The Darden School Foundation is the fundraising organization serving the priorities of the Darden School as set by the academic leadership. The supportive relationship between the School and the Darden School Foundation began with the initiative of business leaders who, under the guidance of former University President Colgate W. Darden, Jr., secured the initial endowment funds necessary to found the school in the early 1950’s. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation.

The overriding goal of this position is to progressively elevate the fundraising program of the Darden School to an elite status among peer institutions in America.

• Translate the Dean’s vision for Darden into specific advancement and campaign strategies and lead execution.

• Develop long-range goals and objectives. Communicate and coordinate these objectives to staff, to the broader enterprise, and to the stakeholders of the School.

• Partner closely with an active faculty and Board of Trustees to leverage their advocacy for the Campaign.

• Champion the Enterprise effort to deepen our connectivity and engagement with Darden’s alumni base and stakeholders.

• Analyze fundraising activities, operations, and forecast data to achieve progress toward stated goals. Provide regular metrics and updates to the Dean, the Board and its committees.

• Actively cultivate and solicit high wealth donors for major gifts for the Darden School. With professional delicacy, manage the most senior relationships with donor prospects associated with top corporations, businesses and financial institutions.

• Provide leadership, management, mentorship and training to the development staff.

• Maintain strong communications throughout all levels at Darden, and in particular with alumni relations and marketing staff, faculty, administration and volunteers.

• Significantly grow the Foundation’s Annual Fund, Corporate Giving, and Planned Giving programs.

• Prepare and administer the departmental annual budget and make regular reports that track expense and revenue statistics.

• Develop strong relationships and interact productively with the University community, trustees, volunteers and alumni.

• Be a visible leader across the UVA Development community.

Qualities and experiences that ideal candidates should display include:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

• Impeccable work history as a fundraising professional with ten or more years of experience leading to a senior management position in a tier one university setting.

• Proven fundraising ability in the context of a large campaign, to include: developing and implementing campaign strategy; managing major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving programs.

• Demonstrated skill in building personal relationships among diverse audiences and leading through influence—has shown an ability to create entrée to potential high wealth donors.

• Ability to lead and develop a diverse team of professional staff.

• Is comfortable with, and prefers, a goal-oriented atmosphere.

• Action orientation with high energy and motivation. Decisive.

• Superior oral and written communication skills.

• Desire to acquire a deep knowledge of the School and University environments including key influencers.

• An advanced academic degree.

• Leading fundraising professional for a top-rated business school.

This position announcement is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and requirements. It is presented as a fair reflection of the principal job elements.