Vice President for Advancement
The Opportunity
The Vice President for Advancement will serve as a key member of the President's cabinet and as the institution's chief advancement officer, leading a comprehensive and integrated advancement enterprise at a transformative moment in Gustavus's history.
Reporting directly to President John C. Volin, PhD, the Vice President will help guide the execution of a bold, multi-year strategy focused on expanding philanthropic support, deepening alumni and constituent engagement, and advancing the College's long-term financial sustainability.
The successful candidate will partner closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to lead campaign strategy, steward major and principal gift relationships, empower an energized team, and cultivate new pathways for donor engagement, including corporate and foundation partnerships.
Prerequisites
- Competitive and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, workplace accommodations, free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities.
- Paid parental leave, employer contribution to retirement savings plan, tuition scholarships for dependents, and tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse.
- Experience in higher education advancement, preferably at a liberal arts college.
- Strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders.
- Knowledge of fundraising techniques, including major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving.
- Experience in managing a team and overseeing various aspects of advancement operations.
- Ability to work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $195,000 - $230,000.
About the Role
This is an opportunity for an experienced advancement executive to lead through a moment of opportunity and help position Gustavus for sustained philanthropic growth and institutional impact.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., higher education administration, public relations, marketing).
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in higher education advancement, preferably at a liberal arts college.
- Proven track record of success in fundraising, including major gifts and annual giving campaigns.
- Experience in managing a team and overseeing various aspects of advancement operations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of fundraising techniques, including major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving.
- Experience in managing a comprehensive advancement program, including development of strategic plans and implementation of fundraising initiatives.
- Ability to work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership.
Benefits
- Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns.
- Onsite health services.
- Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities.
- Paid parental leave.
- Tuition scholarships for dependents.
- Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse.
- Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment).
Schedule
The schedule for this position is flexible and will be determined based on the needs of the organization and the individual.
Skills
- Strategic planning and implementation.
- Donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Team management and leadership.
- Grant writing and proposal development.
- Financial analysis and reporting.
- Event planning and management.
- Marketing and communications.
- Collaborative problem-solving.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedule.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Employee recognition and rewards program.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.
Contact
To apply, visit: https://www.lindauerglobal.com/searches/open-searches/vice-president-advancement-gustavus-adolphus-college/
Contact Katie Bishop | kbishop@gustavus.edu | tel:507-933-6315