The Vice President (VP) of Advancement will lead the Library’s philanthropic strategy, aligning it with strategic goals. This role involves developing and executing multi-year fundraising plans, engaging donors, foundations, and corporations. The VP will oversee major fundraising initiatives, including capital campaigns and major gifts, to deepen donor relationships and expand the Library’s reach.
As a key member of the Leadership Team the VP will collaborate with department heads and subject matter experts to ensure advancement efforts support institutional priorities. Additionally, they will contribute to strategic initiatives, aligning the advancement strategy with the Library’s vision of being a leading resource in science and culture.
Key Accountabilities and Essential Functions:
Strategic Fundraising:
- Create and execute a detailed, data-driven fundraising plan that focuses on building strong relationships with donors to achieve shared goals. This plan will prioritize securing major gifts, expanding planned giving, and increasing the annual fund.
- Translate the President’s vision and strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring alignment, execution, and continuous monitoring across the organization.
Capital Campaign Leadership:
- Design and lead capital campaigns to support major institutional initiatives. And develop compelling cases for support that resonate with donors and clearly articulate the Library's vision and impact.
Leadership and Management:
- Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing Advancement team. Provide professional development opportunities and promote best practices in fundraising across the team.
- Ensure accountability and provide support for direct reports by monitoring key performance indicators and fostering continuous quality improvement. Establish clear goals and expectations to drive high performance.
- Collaborate with other departments to execute integrated projects and initiatives, including public programming, exhibitions, and educational initiatives, as outlined in the Library's strategic plan.
Donor Engagement and Philanthropic Networking:
- Cultivate and expand a strong philanthropic network within Kansas City and beyond, building relationships that enhance the visibility of the Library and expand its base of supporters.
- Develop targeted engagement initiatives to attract new donors, with a particular emphasis on cultivating major gifts and planned giving opportunities.
- Develop and oversee a comprehensive donor stewardship plan that ensures donors receive appropriate, timely, and meaningful recognition and communication.
- Work with the Engagement team to leverage local events, partnerships, and the Library's unique resources to engage the philanthropic community.
Grant and Sponsorship Management:
- Work with the Director of Grants Management to identify and pursue grant opportunities that align with the Library's mission and strategic priorities.
- Expand corporate sponsorship initiatives and develop innovative revenue streams that advance the Library's mission. Ensure that grant and sponsorship efforts are well-integrated with overall fundraising activities and institutional objectives.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Vice President of Advancement will oversee the Director of Development and the Director of Grants Management. In 2025, the team will expand to include a Membership Manager and a Grants Coordinator.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; master's degree preferred.
- Formal training in fundraising and development, with certification (e.g., CFRE) preferred.
- 5+ years designing, leading, and executing successful multi-year capital campaigns.
- Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts, including six- and seven-figure contributions.
- 5-7 years of experience leading and managing a diverse team of development professionals.
- 5+ years of experience working with varied audiences, including high net-worth donors.
- A strong philanthropic network in Kansas City is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in donor database systems (e.g., Salesforce) and best practices in data management and donor analytics.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strategic Visionary: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with the Library's mission and strategic goals.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactive, resourceful, and willing to take calculated risks to grow the Library's base of support.
- Collaborative Leader: Strong capacity to work collaboratively across disciplines, ensuring that advancement strategies enhance and support institutional priorities.
- Data-Driven Decision Maker: Use data and metrics to evaluate success, identify opportunities, and inform strategic direction.
- Passionate Advocate: Deep commitment to the mission of the Linda Hall Library and the role of science, education, and culture in society.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Rarely (0-10%):
- Attending occasional local conferences or workshops.
- Visiting nearby partner organizations or institutions for meetings.
- Traveling to engage with major donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations, and to attend community events for promoting fundraising campaigns and building relationships.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is based in a traditional office environment with the flexibility of up to one remote workday per week. Evening and weekend work is occasionally required.
COMPANY VALUES/STATEMENTS
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion
At Linda Hall Library, we are committed to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) that reflects the rich tapestry of the global community we serve. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment enhances the intellectual rigor and cultural vitality of our institution, enriching the experiences of our staff, patrons, and partners. We strive to create a welcoming space where all individuals feel valued and respected. Through our collections, programs, and community engagements, we are dedicated to promoting equity and accessibility. By amplifying varied voices and ensuring universal resource access, we broaden participation and maximize our impact, fostering a more inclusive and enlightened society.
Equal Opportunity
The Linda Hall Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
The Linda Hall Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.