Vice President for Advancement

About the Role

The Vice President for Advancement (VPA) is a key member of the University's leadership team, providing strategic direction and oversight for Development (fundraising), Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, Corporate Engagement, Church Relations, and Government Relations, in partnership with the University President. This role is responsible for all shifts, 7 days/week, 24 hours/day, with incumbents subject to callback as required.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to meet fundraising and engagement goals.
  • Align advancement initiatives with institutional priorities and the strategic plan.
  • Increase annual giving revenue, major and planned gifts, and alumni participation.
  • Advise the President and Board of Trustees on philanthropic strategy and donor relations.
• Development (Fundraising):
  • Create and lead an engaging fundraising program, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns.
  • Implement an annual giving strategy to increase unrestricted donations.
  • Build and manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
• Alumni Relations:
  • Develop programs and events to strengthen alumni engagement and loyalty.
  • Build a pipeline of engaged alumni volunteers, mentors, and donors.
  • Oversee alumni communications, reunions, regional chapters, and volunteer leadership structures.
• Advancement Services:
  • Oversee gift processing, prospect research, donor records, and reporting.
  • Provide analytics to inform fundraising strategy and measure progress.
  • Ensure stewardship and donor recognition practices are consistently executed.
• Corporate Engagement:
  • Cultivate partnerships with corporations for sponsorships, workforce partnerships, and philanthropic support.
  • Pursue corporate grants, in-kind gifts, and collaborative programs.
• Church Relations:
  • Strengthen the University's relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and denominational partners.
  • Engage churches in student recruitment, prayer partnerships, and philanthropic giving.
  • Represent the University at denominational gatherings.
• Government Relations:
  • Serve as the University's liaison to government officials and agencies.
  • Monitor legislative developments and advise on implications.
  • Advocate for the University's interests and pursue public funding opportunities.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Provide leadership and professional development to advancement teams.
  • Foster collaboration across academic affairs, athletics, and communications.
  • Build relationships with external partners, including donors, corporations, churches, and government officials.
• Budget and Resource Management:
  • Develop and manage budgets for advancement activities.
  • Identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost efficiencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, development, or related field, preferably in higher education.
• Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree
  • Proven history of leading successful comprehensive campaigns.
  • Expertise in major and planned giving, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship.
  • Experience with government relations or public policy advocacy.
  • Understanding of church and denominational relations, ideally within a faith-affiliated institution.
  • Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with a collaborative, results-driven approach.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Work requires little or no physical effort, with intermittent lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Environmental Conditions: Standard office environment with frequent travel, evening, and weekend commitments.