Director, Advancement, Thunderbird School of Global Management

Thunderbird School of Global Management has one of the most global and dynamic networks of alumni and donors in the world. T-birds are true global citizens, defined by their global mindset, entrepreneurial nature, ability to navigate different cultures and environments and bring unique perspectives to complex situations. Founded on the principle that borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers, Thunderbird is as vital for the world today as it ever has been. Alumni and donors are critical to Thunderbird’s student experience, strategy, philanthropic ambitions and future growth, and this is a unique opportunity to shape a modern and global engagement strategy as dynamic and innovative as the constituents it serves.

The Director, Advancement will serve as a key frontline fundraiser as part of an integrated advancement team, influencing strategy development, and engagement efforts for Thunderbirds major gifts program. The Director Will manage an international portfolio and steward relationships with alumni globally, while cultivating a global pipeline of major donors and prospects. As a vital member of a team of experienced fundraisers, the Director will serve as a true partner working across the global advancement team, estate and planned giving, and with other unit leads as relevant. This role is also a critical connector for the relationships with other teams at Thunderbird.

The Director will manage and mentor new fundraisers and proactively engage with staff and faculty who want to learn more and get involved in philanthropy. They will act us the lead fundraiser for at least one or more of Thunderbird stated campaign priorities. While alumni donors will always be central for this position, there is also a desire to grow philanthropic income, raised through grants, trusts, foundations and corporations, so expertise in fundraising from one of these key groups is advantageous. Collaboration, flexibility and adaptability are central to this role. An experienced major gift officer with a strong track record in raising six and seven figure gifts, and with an annual giving and higher education background would be ideal for this role. Over half of Thunderbird’s base reside overseas, therefore a global perspective, international work and lived experience are key for success in this position. Multilingual skills would be an advantage.

Thunderbird has big ambitions for its advancement team. The school has an incredibly strong track record in fundraising, and under the leadership of Dean Griffy-Brown has some exciting priorities and programs which will bring the Thunderbird experience to life for generations of students to come. A persuasive communicator and skilled relationship builder, the Director will be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, globally networked environment and is inspired by Thunderbird’s role as a force for good in developing the entrepreneurs, industries and ecosystems of the future. Digital literacy, in particular an understanding of the potential presented by AI and other digital tools, is essential.

This role would suit someone who loves to travel and enjoys experiencing different cultures. Joining Thunderbird means being part of an inspiring international community at the forefront of global management, digital transformation and purpose-driven leadership. This position offers the chance to put philanthropy at the heart of Thunderbird’s mission and drive measurable global impact.

What you’ll do

• Build and manage a portfolio of major and leadership gift, prospects, and secure, philanthropic investments in support of Thunderbirds priorities, with a primary focus on securing gifts above the $100,000 level

• Achieve a personal fundraising goal of at least $2 million in accordance with performance metrics

• Lead at least one key priority for the school, building out a comprehensive prospect list, and cultivation strategies that include, but are not limited to, alumni

• Develop and submit written proposals, case statements, budgets, and other collateral materials needed to secure philanthropic investments

• Contribute to the creation and leadership of a coordinated program of fundraising and engagement activities designed to increase the number and level of annual major and principal gift owners for Thunderbird

• Work with the senior director of engagement and other frontline fundraisers to develop a strategic program focused on the integration of annual giving pipeline development, major gifts and planed giving

• Design and execute strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni friends, and volunteers to identify and cultivate new prospects and donors with meaningful opportunities at Thunderbird

• Work closely with the Dean and other members of Thunderbird’s senior leadership to build solid and trusted internal partnerships and develop creative and compelling ways to further engage alumni across Thunderbird, including executive education, corporate engagement, recruitment and admissions, student experience and success

• Prepare the dean and other senior colleagues with appropriate prospect and donor information as needed

• Work across the Thunderbird advancement team to ensure a strategy where engagement drives giving and vice versa, through a mutually reinforcing approach

• Manage metrics and dashboards to track engagement and inform ongoing strategy

• Collaborate with Thunderbird’s global centers and ASU enterprise partners to build and strengthen relationships with international alumni and corporate partners

• Collaborate with ASUF colleagues in philanthropy and major gifts, donor relations, marketing, and research to align efforts

• Within area(s) of responsibility, maintain up to date knowledge on key alumni

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all alumni activity in accordance with ASUF policies

• Serve as a key member of the Thunderbird advancement team and a resource to colleagues within ASUF and ASU. Deputize for senior colleagues where necessary

What you'll need

• A demonstrable global mindset and ability to work across cultures with diplomacy and sensitivity

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with diverse, global stakeholders

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with persuasive proposal and presentation experience

• Ability and willingness to travel, domestically and overseas

• Strong literacy in AI and other digital engagement tools and a competent understanding of how these can be integrated into a comprehensive, global engagement strategy

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Strong knowledge and understanding of database management

• Ability to exercise good judgment and to use discretion in interactions with alumni, donors, prospects, volunteers, and others

• Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment

• Proficiency with donor management systems and Microsoft Office Suite

• Commitment to ASU’s vision and Thunderbird’s mission

• Flexibility and agility in a fast-paced, global environment

Relevant qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• Five (5) or more years of successful, incremental professional alumni, donor or stakeholder engagement experience

• Documented success in personally implementing sophisticated, tailored, engagement strategies in complex organizations

• Demonstrated ability in securing major gifts and grants from individuals corporations foundations another private funding sources

• Experience managing a team

• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved

Preferred education and experience

• Advanced degree

• More than (7) years of years of successful engagement experience in higher education

• Experience working in campaigns and/ or annual giving

• Prior experience living or working internationally or within globally distributed teams

• Experience working in Salesforce and Workday

• Experience working in a fully integrated advancement team

Preferred skills and abilities

• Ability to navigate the complexities of transnational giving

• Understanding of philanthropic cultures and practices around the world

• Multilingual

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution
• 22 days of vacation time
• 11 holidays, including your birthday
• Parental leave
• Significant tuition reductions
• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest
• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation we value

Character
We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.

Service
We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.

Innovation
Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer