Vice President - Institutional Advancement

Job description / Role

Why the American University of Iraq—Baghdad?

Opening its doors in January 2021, the new American University of Iraq—Baghdad (AUIB) began as a dream of influential individuals in Iraqi and United States business, industry and government who want to see a world-class institution of higher learning established in the city, reminiscent of the days when Baghdad was an educational mecca and flourishing capital of the Muslim world. With a great library, palatial college buildings and student centers, state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities, AUIB will be a beautiful campus, attracting students, faculty, and staff from throughout the world. We invite you to join us in this exciting new venture.

This position will report directly to the University President.

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VPIA) will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the American University of Iraq-Baghdad by securing the necessary resources to support its mission. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the growth and development of a dynamic new educational institution in a culturally rich and diverse region.

Primary responsibilities include the following:

• Fundraising and Development: The VPIA will lead and manage all aspects of fundraising initiatives, focusing particularly on securing major gifts from individual, corporate, and foundational donors through a metrics-driven approach, as well as launching special events. This role entails the development and implementation of innovative and effective strategies for donor engagement and resource mobilization.
• Donor Relationship Management: A critical function of this position involves the cultivation and maintenance of robust relationships with a diverse range of donors. The VPIA will need to identify, engage, and nurture relationships with new and existing donors, ensuring a sustainable and growing base of support for the university. Additionally, the VPIA will develop and support alumni engagement strategies to maintain close relations with future alumni, which will include events and ambassador programs.
• Global Network Expansion: The role demands the possession of an extensive global network of prospective donors, with a special emphasis on the Middle East, North America, and Europe. VPIA should demonstrate an ability to leverage these networks effectively for the benefit of the university's advancement goals. In particular, the VPIA should have knowledge of the Iraqi Diaspora and how to leverage it for fundraising.
• Strategic Leadership: As a key member of the university's senior leadership team, the VPIA will contribute to strategic planning and decision-making processes. This includes working with the president, senior staff, deans, department heads, faculty, and other stakeholders to develop philanthropic priorities and goals to increase levels of support from donors and to align fundraising efforts with the university's overall mission and objectives.
• Management: The VPIA will lead and grow a team of fundraising and advancement professionals utilizing inspiring transformational leadership and astute transactional leadership. The VPIA will oversee systems that ensure that prospects and donors are tracked, acknowledged, and stewarded in a strategic and timely manner.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10 or more years of experience in Advancement: candidates must present a history of successful work experience leading university advancement departments. This experience should include demonstrable achievements in significant fundraising campaigns and donor relationship management.
• Experience working with Diaspora communities is desirable but not required.
• Bi-Regional Expertise: Applicants must possess experience working in both the Middle East and the United States in the field of advancement. This bi-regional expertise is critical for understanding the cultural nuances and fundraising dynamics specific to these regions. Knowledge of Arabic is advantageous, but not required.
• Proven Leadership Abilities: A track record of effective leadership in previous roles is essential, including serving as a strategic advancement partner to a president, provost, dean or other executive.
• Candidates should demonstrate experience in guiding teams towards achieving fundraising goals and in fostering a culture of philanthropy within an organization.
• Candidates should be able to cultivate strong and positive working relationships at every level.
• Educational Background: A minimum of a PhD or other earned doctorate degree in any field is required.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are requisite for this role. The VPIA must articulate the university's vision and goals compellingly to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ethical Standards and Integrity: Adherence to the highest ethical and professional standards and a commitment to integrity in all fundraising activities and donor interactions are paramount. Knowledge of and commitment to best practices in the field is essential.
• Application Requirements for Positions at the American University of Iraq—Baghdad

Shortlisted candidates:

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will need to provide additional documentation:
Educational transcripts and certifications must be translated into English.
References: You must provide contact details for three references. These individuals should be those who have either worked with you or supervised your work.
We look forward to receiving your complete applications and appreciate your interest in joining our dynamic team at AUIB.

About the Company

AUIB is an American-style, nonprofit university located next to the Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. This large-scale, multi-million dollar project is funded by Iraqi and U.S. donors, both public and private. The university opens for students on Jan. 17, 2021, with the College of Arts & Sciences, College of International Studies, and the College of Business. Eventually, there will be 10 colleges at the university, including a College of Medicine.