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About Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University is a vibrant university located in beautiful southwest Florida. It is an academic institution that pledges faithfulness to the teachings of the Church and is committed to providing one of the finest classical liberal arts curricula available. Ave Maria is known for faithfulness to the magisterium of the Catholic Church, a caring faculty and staff, and a unique educational philosophy that strives to develop the whole person. Academics are the heart of every educational institution. It is what we strive to do best within a truly wholesome Catholic environment.

Founded in 2003, Ave Maria University opened the doors to the new university and now supports a student body of 700+ undergraduates, 120 graduate students, representing 46 states and 34 countries, with 12 academic majors and a full-time faculty of 50 and 24 part-time faculty. In addition, the University has a campus in Nicaragua with 430+ full and part-time students.

Over the past three fiscal years, the University’s annual support ranged from over $9 million to over $12 million with annual giving reaching almost $5 million in FY 11; additionally there are over 12,000 annual supporters to AMU. The advancement staff includes an 18-member team of dedicated professionals.

Appointed on February 12, 2011, H. James Towey, J. D. became the second president of Ave Maria University (AMU). Towey came to AMU after serving as president of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, from 2006 until 2010.  While serving as president at Saint Vincent, the school achieved record enrollment, multi-year fiscal surpluses and undertook extensive campus-wide construction and renovation projects.

Prior to leading Saint Vincent, Towey served four years in George W. Bush’s administration as the Assistant to the President of the United States and director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.  Towey was a member of Bush’s senior staff, reporting directly to the President on all matters relating to church and state relations, religious liberty issues, charitable giving, various civil liberties and a variety of other federal programs. He also functioned as the legal representation in the U.S. and Canada for Mother Teresa from 1985-1997. During that time he spent two years as a full-time volunteer in Mexico and traveled with Mother Teresa on many occasions.

About the Position

Reporting to the President and serving on the senior management team, the Vice President will work with the President and the Board of Trustees to develop a dynamic philanthropic program. As the University’s chief advancement officer, the Vice President will provide vision, leadership, and strategic planning for garnering philanthropic support from various constituencies. The Vice President will provide support and staffing to the President, including a portfolio of top donors and prospects; support to the Advancement Committee of the Board. Additionally, the Vice President will collaborate and integrate the fundraising priorities of the Chancellor with those of the overall University’s plan. Overall responsibilities include but not limited to:

1. Working effectively with the President, advancement team, Advancement Committee of the Board and other key institutional leaders to identify, develop, implement and assess strategies to increase philanthropic support for the University that includes unrestricted giving, major/endowment giving, planned giving and grants;
2. Providing leadership, supervision and management of the University Advancement team including the annual setting of strategic priorities, performance plans, evaluation, and assessment, interpretation and analysis of annual program goals and results that are aligned and congruent with the University’s overall strategic plan;
3. Providing leadership for the development and alumni programs that will further and enhance the University’s engagement of alumni, friends and parents in raising philanthropic support;
4. Carrying own portfolio of prospect and donors with capabilities of investing significant support to meet the University’s mission and priorities; support and manage a similar portfolio of the president and assign and coordinate the portfolios of the Chancellor and the Special Assistant to the Chancellor;
5. Working effectively with the University’s marketing office to develop and provide key messages and communications for alumni, parents and friends;
6. Assisting and supporting the President and board members in identifying, cultivating and establishing long-term relationships that will yield significant support from donors and prospects;

Successful Candidates

The successful candidate will possess a minimum of 5 years in advancement that demonstrates strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, and extensive and progressive experience in this field. Experience in Catholic universities and/or related Catholic organization is highly desired. Requirements include a baccalaureate degree with a preference for a master’s degree a proven track record of fundraising experience including major gifts, comprehensive campaigns and annual fund programs are essential. Preference for those who have assessed, built and developed a strong organization in a growing environment; have experience in managing direct mail solicitations and a strong preference for individuals who demonstrates institutional leadership in strategic thinking and marketing. The abilities to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced organization and work effectively with staff, administrators, faculty, alumni, and board members are essential. Enthusiastic commitment to advancing the University’s mission, experience in team building and campaign management along with a high level of energy, an entrepreneurial spirit, a reputation for accepting and meeting challenges and a sense of humor are required. Knowledge of technology and commitment to its use in prospect management, research, and information systems is an expectation. Finally, the successful candidate will be expected to be involved and visible on behalf of the University in professional organizations related to advancement and will represent the University at various regional and national events.

Location

Ave Maria University is located in Southwest Florida, just 20 miles from Naples. With temperatures averaging 75-80 degrees year round, Southwest Florida offers a never-ending calendar of events such as going to the beach, kayaking, sailing or taking an airport ride throughout Florida Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

How To Apply

Interested individuals should send a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a résumé, and contact information including email addresses for five references. The packet should be sent electronically (Microsoft Word attachments preferred) to Bill Spelman at avemaria@wspelman.com . In the subject line, please include AMU and your full name. Documents that must be mailed should be sent to William Spelman Executive Search, Stony Point Landing, 667 Midship Circle, Webster, NY 14580. Confidential inquiries will be received at 585.787.0325. Confidentiality will be maintained, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge or approval of the candidate.

For full consideration, all materials should be received no later than July 20, 2011. The process will continue until the position is filled.