Position Description

Reporting to the President, the College Advancement Officer serves as the College’s chief advancement officer providing executive leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the administration and management of the Office of College Advancement. This person also serves as President of the ABAC Foundation and provides management for First ABAC LLC and Second ABAC LLC.

Working with a volunteer Foundation Board of Trustees, college leadership, and staff, this position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive advancement initiatives and strategies which support ABAC and its students.

This position requires an individual who is a leader and team builder. The successful candidate will recognize the importance of advancement to the College’s mission and strategic priorities and the importance of the College’s role in promoting the academic, economic and social vitality of the region, the state, and the nation. The incumbent will have demonstrated skill in attracting new sources of giving and in promoting the involvement of alumni, friends, and the community in College activities.

ØLead strategic planning that integrates college needs with development and funding practices, working collaboratively with the College President and senior staff in planning and policy making, especially in the areas of the Facilities Master Plan and the Strategic Plan of the College.

ØDevelop a cohesive and comprehensive advancement program that strengthens the link between the College, Foundation, Board of Regents, elected officials, and a full range of constituencies, including alumni.

ØOversee the development of a full range of strategies/initiatives to increase revenue including, but not limited to, major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, annual fund, special events, grant writing and planned giving.

ØFoundation President -serve as the President of the Foundation providing senior leadership, planning, and board support. Lead the Foundation and serve as the College staff person for the 29-plus member Foundation Board as well as First ABAC LLC and Second ABAC LLC; lead and manage college staff that support Foundation and LLCs’ efforts.

ØAdministrator - administratively responsible for personnel and operations within the Office of College Advancement

ØFoundation Asset Manager - responsible for the overall management of all Foundation assets, including the oversight of endowments, trusts, supporting foundations, grants, fund accounts, investment accounts, operating budgets, scholarships, real estate, facilities and annual audits, maintaining comprehensive tracking records and analysis of results.

ØCapital and Strategic Planner - provide leadership, planning, coordination, direction and implementation of the College Strategic Facility Master Plan so as to support the College’s mission. This will require interaction and communication with internal and external groups, including local, state and federal government, the University System of Georgia and the private sector.

Administer budgets for the Office of College Advancement and the ABAC Foundation.

ØA Bachelor's degree is required, advanced degree preferred.
ØMinimum of ten years of progressive and innovative leadership responsibilities, preferably in higher education or non-profit organizations. Proven record of successful management of development and alumni activities is highly desirable.

ØMost important will be the personal qualities of intellectual curiosity, integrity, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and commitment to excellence
ØStrong commitment to and understanding of the mission of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College as the state college of choice for prospective students.

ØAbility to conceive and undertake critical and creative strategies for development and alumni programs.

ØPassion to accomplish ambitious and high-volume tasks, characterized by a professional and agile approach.

ØSolid experience in volunteer board leadership and development strategies to reach and expand an internal and external base of constituents.

ØExceptional communications skills, typified by a commitment to developing meaningful relationships with institutional leaders, external volunteer boards, supporters, alumni, and other stakeholders

ØAbility to reassess long standing practices and policies, and to initiate new ones that allow the Office of College Advancement to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible in a goal-oriented environment.

ØKnowledge and understanding of budget practices and investment principles with the ability to analyze information for reports, monitors accounts, and organize data into effective and meaningful oral and written presentations.