Senior Vice President of Advancement

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief advancement strategist for Lipscomb University, developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Partner with the President and senior leadership to identify and articulate philanthropic priorities that advance the university’s mission and strategic goals.
• Strengthen a culture of generosity and philanthropic engagement across the Lipscomb community.
• Lead the planning, development, and execution of Lipscomb’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with principal and major donors capable of making transformational gifts.
• Expand and diversify the university’s base of philanthropic support through major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and foundation and corporate partnerships.
• Partner with the President and trustees in high-level donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.

Institutional Advancement Leadership

• Provide leadership and coordination for advancement efforts serving both Lipscomb University and Lipscomb Academy, ensuring alignment of messaging, engagement, and philanthropic strategy across the Lipscomb community.
• Provide strategic leadership and coordination for the academy advancement team in partnership with the Head of School.
• Oversee alumni relations and parent engagement efforts that build lifelong connections to Lipscomb.

Team and Operational Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing advancement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Strengthen and grow the advancement team as needed to support campaign priorities and long-term fundraising success.
• Ensure best practices in prospect research, donor stewardship, gift processing, and advancement analytics.
• Oversee advancement planning, goal-setting, budgeting, and performance metrics to support sustained growth in philanthropic support.

Qualifications and Characteristics

• A deep commitment to Lipscomb University’s Christian mission and the ability to lead advancement efforts that reflect the institution’s values and vision.
• Significant experience in advancement, philanthropy, business development, sales, or related fields with a demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and secure major investments.
• Proven success cultivating and securing major gifts, ideally including seven- and eight-figure commitments.
• Experience planning or leading a comprehensive capital campaign or similarly complex fundraising initiative is preferred.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex initiatives within a mission-driven organization.
• A strategic and visionary leader who can translate institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse constituencies.
• A collaborative leader who works effectively with senior leadership, trustees, faculty, and volunteers.
• A demonstrated commitment to Lipscomb University’s Christian mission, including an active and growing Christian faith, and alignment with the university’s Centering Core.
• A person of integrity, humility, and relational warmth who supports and affirms Lipscomb’s Statement of Faith.
• A bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.