Executive Director Of Development

Overview

PCA&D is a private, independent college of art and design with just over 250 students. The College is distinguished by its interactive classes, deeply focused one-on-one attention to students, and the strong and exceptional engagement of faculty. PCA&D has an embedded culture of creative exploration, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities within its core mission. The College values diversity and has a growing record of academic achievement with first-generation students, students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, and other underrepresented students. PCA&D values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the college community and invites candidates who through their administration and professional leadership will contribute to our shared commitment to a diverse and inclusive academic art and design community.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Vice President for Strategy and Development and will serve as a member of the Executive Cabinet. The Executive Director will be accountable to the Vice President for Strategy and Development and have the leadership and support of the Alumni and Parent Councils of the College. The Executive Director will work effectively and professionally with all members of the College, key internal and external stakeholders, and programmatic partners within the community of Lancaster and the region.

The successful candidate is a strategic, skilled leader with demonstrated experience in successful, long-term relationship building with key stakeholders as well as external and internal campus community members. The candidate is a collaborative and highly effective communicator who can articulate the values and benefits of an experience-enhanced fine art and design education in a small college setting. The candidate will develop and assure the successful implementation of the annual fund and marquis fundraising events, and will assist in the conceptualization, orchestration, and execution of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Summary

Reporting to the Vice President will manage and build the Development department programs, and bases of philanthropic engagement while serving as a key member of the College's senior leadership team. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Trustees, serving as the staff liaison to the Board's External Relations Committee. They will also work in close collaboration with the Vice President for Strategic Communications and the President's senior team. As the College's lead fundraiser, the ideal candidate is highly organized, entrepreneurial, a team builder, and mentor who can lead, direct, define, manage, and ensure the successful achievement of performance goals.

The ideal candidate will be both a strong advocate for philanthropic support of the College both on and off campus, and also a skilled administrator capable of managing a small development operation. They will provide strategic leadership and active support for the College's development efforts; they will be both a development strategist and executor of administrative duties.

In collaboration with the PCA&D leadership team and key stakeholders, the Executive Director will have hands-on, and primary responsibility for all fundraising success including individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising, grants, and donor stewardship. They will manage and cultivate key institutional relationships, engage alumni and parents, and implement annual and special campaigns. The ideal candidate will be collaborative and engaging among all PCA&D's constituencies, including the Lancaster community, the region, and beyond.

The Executive Director will provide oversight of policies and procedures applicable to institutional development and recommend changes as appropriate, and they will further the culture of philanthropy on campus. They will possess the management and leadership acumen to leverage the College's existing capacity, strengthen performance, and effectively manage and build an effective operation while maintaining best practices, camaraderie, shared accountability, and clearly defined goals.

Core Responsibilities

• Build and provide hands-on leadership and management to the College's Development program consisting of individual, corporate, and foundation giving, bequests, the annual fund, grants, and special fundraising events.

• Identify and cultivate potential major donors, both corporate and individual, and work with the Trustees and President to identify appropriate individuals to assist with the cultivation, strategy development, solicitation, and stewardship of all donors.

• Maintain all donor records, ensure systems are accurate, and develop/create proactive stewardship structures.

• Track and record activities as they relate to assigned prospects using donor database and report results regularly to the President.

• Where appropriate, establish and maintain effective working relationships with Trustees of the College and members of the college and local community

• Become an active and visible member of the business, arts, creative, and philanthropic communities. Identify and establish strong relationships with existing donors and cultivate new potential donors.

• Identify well-respected individuals for introduction to the Board of Trustees, recipients for institutional honors/awards, and potential members of both the Alumni and Parent Councils.

• Collaborate with key members of the staff on the identification, drafting, and writing of grants and award applications for the College.

• Staff the Board of Trustees' External Relations Committee.

• Provide leadership staff support to the Alumni and Parent Councils, growing each Council to its full potential as an advocacy and philanthropic force for the College.

• Lead and support key members of the staff in all fundraising and stewardship events for the College.

Key Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor's degree required, with 5-7 years of relevant experience in advancement, fundraising, development, or related work. Significant successes in small development offices preferred.

• Possess highly developed and keen strategic writing, proofreading, and editing skills as well as excellent skills in utilizing databases.

• Understand and appreciate the value of an art and design education and the roles creatives offer society. Understand, appreciate, and thrive within the dynamics of a small college experience.

• Deep and broad professional knowledge of current best practices and compliance across all components of advancement work.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to use contemporary fundraising techniques, including the use of social media, in the stewardship and solicitation of donors.

• Ability to represent the College with integrity and professionalism. Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and energetic.

• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of the role of alumni, parents, and community in the success of the College.

• Commitment to demonstrate integrity and excellent judgment in all constituent relationships.

• Valid driver's license is required.

Working Conditions

• The employee will work in a well-lighted, ventilated, office/academic environment.

• Position requires seeing, hearing, speaking, grasping, sitting, standing, walking and ability to drive.

• Must navigate stairs, elevators, and a variety of office locations.

• May require visiting off-site locations to meet with donors and/or organizations.

• May require working flexible hours including nights and weekends.

• Travel may be required on occasion.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is an exempt, full-time position, based on our Lancaster, PA campus. PCA&D offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, Life insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, and a 403(b) retirement plan plus match after qualifying period.

For consideration, please submit the following to HR@pcad.edu:

• Resume/CV

• Cover letter

• Contact information for 3 professional references. (References will only be contacted after consultation with final candidates.)

Include "Executive Director of Development" in the subject line of the email.

Communication will generally be limited to candidates selected for additional consideration. Review of applicants will begin immediately; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Pennsylvania College of Art & Design is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in compliance with all applicable laws in the admission of students, administration of programs, employment of faculty and staff, and any terms of instruction and employment. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, women, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) and gender non-binary persons to apply.