Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate Director of Advancement, UK & Europe

at Asu Foundation

🏢 About Asu Foundation

Arizona State University Foundation represents the most innovative public university in the U.S. for 11 consecutive years, with a unique model focused on excellence at scale and access. Working here means joining a global community dedicated to solving pressing world problems through inclusive education and research, offering the chance to fundraise for dynamic priorities like scholarships and professorships while co-creating projects with donors.

About This Role

As Associate Director of Advancement for UK & Europe, you'll shape ASU's future in the region by engaging HNWIs, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners through travel and relationship-building. You'll fundraise for scholarships, centers, and professorships while collaborating with global teams, making this role impactful by directly supporting ASU's mission of inclusion and global problem-solving.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning virtual meetings with Phoenix-based colleagues to align on fundraising priorities, followed by researching and prospecting European HNWIs or foundations. Afternoons could include donor calls across time zones or preparing for upcoming travel to London for in-person cultivation meetings, with evenings dedicated to proposal development for specific ASU initiatives.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Asu Foundation Is Looking For

  • Experienced major gifts fundraiser with a proven track record in securing six- or seven-figure gifts from HNWIs, trusts, or foundations in the UK/Europe
  • Skilled at building and maintaining long-term donor relationships across cultures, with experience traveling for donor meetings and events
  • Comfortable working remotely with U.S.-based teams (primarily in Phoenix) while independently managing a portfolio in the UK/Europe
  • Passionate about higher education innovation, global impact, and inclusive access, with ability to articulate ASU's unique model to diverse audiences

📝 Tips for Applying to Asu Foundation

1

Highlight specific major gifts you've secured in the UK/European context, including amounts and donor types (HNWIs, trusts, foundations, corporations)

2

Demonstrate experience with remote collaboration across time zones, especially with U.S.-based teams

3

Show familiarity with ASU's innovation reputation by referencing specific programs or initiatives that align with your fundraising experience

4

Emphasize your ability to travel regularly across the UK and Europe for donor cultivation

5

Tailor your resume to show how you've co-created projects with donors rather than just executing predetermined fundraising plans

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience fundraising for higher education or similar mission-driven organizations in the UK/Europe', 'Examples of building donor relationships that led to major gifts, emphasizing the cultivation process', "How you've successfully worked remotely with international teams and managed a geographically dispersed portfolio", "Your understanding of ASU's innovation model and how you would communicate its value to European donors"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → ASU's specific UK/Europe initiatives and existing donor relationships in the region
  • → The university's 'most innovative' recognition and what specific programs drive that reputation
  • → ASU's interdisciplinary centers and schools to understand fundraising priorities mentioned in the description
  • → The foundation's leadership team and recent major gifts to understand their fundraising approach

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your most successful major gift solicitation in Europe and how you built that relationship over time
2 How would you approach introducing ASU's American public university model to European HNWIs who may be more familiar with traditional European institutions?
3 What strategies would you use to maintain strong collaboration with Phoenix-based colleagues while working remotely in a different time zone?
4 Walk us through how you would cultivate a new corporate partnership in London for one of ASU's interdisciplinary centers
5 How do you balance travel for donor meetings with remote work responsibilities, and what tools/processes help you stay productive?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only U.S.-focused fundraising experience without demonstrating understanding of UK/European philanthropic landscapes
  • Failing to address the hybrid/remote nature of the role and how you'll manage transatlantic collaboration
  • Generic fundraising language without specific examples of major gift work or donor co-creation experiences

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Asu Foundation!

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