Description

Job Requisition:

JR101111 Director of Foundation Operations (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Director of Foundation Operations

Department:

CC00289 WM001 | WMUA | Board Expenses - CWMF

Job Family:

Staff - Giving: Annual, Major Gifts, & Planned

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

William & Mary

Primary Job Posting Location:

William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

University Advancement creates the conditions for opportunity – human, financial & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

The William & Mary Foundation (WMF) advances the university’s highest aspirations by securing private support, guiding a multi-asset investment portfolio and offering strategic leadership. In this work, we propel the university toward national preeminence and help shape a future worthy of its history.

Consistent with the university’s shared services agreement with the William & Mary Foundation (WMF), this position is assigned 80% effort to support WMF with the responsibilities outlined below.


The Director of Foundation Operations is a leader with the William & Mary Foundation.

The Director of Foundation Operations reports to the Executive Director of the W&M Foundation and is primarily responsible for Foundation Board management and administration..

Along with the Executive Director, the Director serves as a key point of communication to the Trustees, manages communications related to Board activities internally and externally, and serves as staff liaison for one or more committees, among other high-level support for the Foundation. The Director also provides key logistical and operational support to the Foundation’s subsidiaries, including the William & Mary Real Estate Foundation, the William & Mary Athletics Foundation, and the Murray 1693 Scholars Foundation.

The Director will help foster a community that embraces all people and perspectives and will be a proactive and collaborative member of this dynamic team.

Please review the full position description with all job duties under the “Featured Job Opportunities” on the University Advancement recruitment website: https://advancement.wm.edu/come-work-with-us/open-positions/index.php

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education, professional experience and specialized expertise.

• Understanding of philanthropy in higher education and the impact it has on the future of higher education. 

• Commitment to the university’s values of belonging, curiosity, excellence, flourishing, integrity, respect, and service, including, but not limited to, collaboration, staffing and programming. 

• Experience (typically 3-5+ years) managing and developing relationships with constituents, clients, or customers. Examples include outside sales, marketing or public relations, financial planning or wealth management, admissions or enrollment, and membership development, as well as academic fundraising or alumni engagement, and board management experience.

• Exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with fluency in using persuasive language to promote visionary opportunities.

• Demonstrated meticulous organizational skills with the proven ability to exercise sound judgement and solve problems independently.

• Proven leadership skills and familiarity with project management principles to include managing people, timelines and budgets.  Proficiency with a variety of software applications to include MS Office (including PowerPoint and Excel), databases, and reporting tools. Familiarity with website development software (such as Pages). 

• Ability to read and interpret financial statements, budgets, and other fiscal reports.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with and/or affinity for William & Mary and higher education.

• Knowledge of fundraising databases.

• Understanding of university fundraising and best practices in stewardship and donor relations.

• Experience in a non-profit fundraising environment.

• Experience in program or project planning.

• Progressively responsible experience managing and developing relationships with constituents, clients, or customers, in a for-profit or nonprofit setting, with the ability to innovate, implement dynamic change and exceed goals.

• Experience with best practices for governance or fiduciary and volunteer boards.

• Experience in high-level support of a board or committee.

• Previous experience in meeting/event planning, coordination, and execution.

Conditions of Employment    

• This position is expected to work additional hours beyond the typical work week to include evenings and weekends.

• Must have the flexibility and ability to travel as required.

• Ability to work with highly confidential materials and use discretion and sensitivity at all times.

Is the position remote work eligible? No

Job Duties: 

80% - Foundation Board Management and Administration:

• Partner with the Executive Director of WMF to set programmatic direction and execution of 3 annual WMF meetings.

• Personally visit new and retiring trustees to conduct onboarding training and interviews in partnership with the Executive Director.

• Along with the Executive Director, serve as key point of communication to the Trustees.

• Plan, execute, and manage communications related to Board activities internally and externally.

• Develop and execute effective trustee engagement strategies.

• Serve as staff liaison for one or more committees. Serve as the Project Manager for the committees to ensure that the responsibilities and tasks of the committee are accomplished to include plans for the on-boarding and education of new trustees. Manage and execute the mentor program for new trustees.

• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of potential nominees that fit both the goals and requirements of the WMF, W&M Real Estate Foundation, W&M Athletics Foundation, and Murray 1693 Scholars Foundation.

• Develop and execute effective trustee engagement strategies for each trustee, designed to leverage activity in the most strategic manner. Regularly identify new and existing engagement opportunities to advance volunteer leaders through consecutively meaningful and important roles.

• Ensure adherence to Foundation bylaws and policies and other governance documents

• Manage and oversee legal compliance tasks such as Conflict of Interest reporting, SCC filings etc.

• Develop, implement, and analyze trustee assessments, and make recommendations based on results.

• Plan and execute weekly communication strategy for trustees regarding News of Interest and semi-annual newsletters to Emeritus Trustees.

• Work closely and collaboratively with the President’s Office, CEO’s Office, CFO’s Office, Events, other key areas of campus and Executive Director to plan Foundation meetings and support the work of the Foundation’s committees.

• Serve as the key point of communication with Trustees, administration and staff who work with Foundation, including planning and producing correspondence.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to produce committee agendas, meeting minutes and materials, and Foundation materials and collateral, manage content of restricted access and public website for Foundation trustees.

• Suggest potential prospects for trustee and advisory boards. Along with the Executive Director, provide logistical and operational support to the Foundation’s subsidiaries, including the William & Mary Athletics Foundation, the William & Mary Real Estate Foundation, and the Murray 1693 Scholars Foundation.

• Oversee all staffing for the Foundation meetings and events, including collaboration with Advancement Events, outside vendors, and additional colleagues.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to produce committee agendas, meeting minutes and materials, and Foundation materials and collateral, manage content of restricted access and public website for Foundation trustees.

20% - University Advancement Support:

• Serve as a representative of William & Mary, and develop a working knowledge of the university’s goals, priorities and programs.

• Support the mission of the Office of University Advancement by engaging with fundraising initiatives, events, and campaign projects as needed.

• Collaborate with gift officers and other staff in support of Foundation trustees.

EEO Statement

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Benefits Summary Statement

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: <span><u><span>https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/</span></u></span>

Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience

Additional Job Description:

Please submit resume and cover letter for consideration.

Job Profile:

JP0440 - Senior Major Gifts Officer - Exempt - Salary - S14

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S14

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-11-06

Review Date:

2025-12-18

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.