Vice President, Advancement

About the role

The Vice President of Advancement at Champlain College is responsible for developing and leading the college's fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Reporting to the President, this role sets the direction for all advancement activities and plays a central role in shaping and executing a significant fundraising campaign.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy encompassing major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and campaign initiatives aligned with institutional priorities

• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating and soliciting donors at the highest levels

• Set fundraising goals, track performance metrics, and report outcomes to the President and Board of Trustees

• Identify and support proposal development of corporate and foundation funding opportunities through donor access and stakeholder coordination

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, prospective donors, Board members, and community partners

• Lead donor stewardship programs that recognize giving and sustain long-term engagement

• Lead alumni relations efforts that strengthen connections to the college and create pathways to giving, volunteerism, and advocacy

• Plan and execute cultivation events, donor recognition programs, and advancement-related communications

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the college, representing Champlain's mission, values, and impact to external audiences

• Partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on strategic initiatives that advance the college's philanthropic position

• Collaborate across the institution - including Enrollment, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs - to align advancement priorities with institutional goals

• Engage with community leaders, local and regional employers, and civic organizations to strengthen Champlain's profile and expand its network of supporters and partners

• Lead, mentor, and develop the advancement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth

• Oversee the advancement budget and ensure responsible financial management of all philanthropic funds and gift processing operations

• Leverage data, analytics, and advancement technology to inform strategy and improve fundraising outcomes

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, institutional advancement or adjacent fields, with demonstrated success in personally securing major gifts
• Strong budget management skills with experience overseeing advancement operations and gift processing
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the institution publicly and craft compelling cases for support
• Experience managing and developing staff in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Familiarity with advancement CRM systems and data-driven approaches to fundraising
• A leadership style characterized by energy, initiative, and a willingness to be hands-on in all aspects of the work

Working arrangements

• Full-time position based at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont
• Regular on-campus presence expected
• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for evening and weekend commitments including donor events, board meetings, and college functions
• Travel required for donor cultivation, alumni engagement, and institutional representation

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $165,000-$185,000
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
• Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 2 days of personal leave
• Retail: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution
• Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members
• Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives
• Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance
• Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs

Application Instructions

To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College