Vice President for Advancement

Position Overview

The University of Redlands seeks a Vice President for Advancement to lead the University’s development program. This role plays a critical part in shaping the University’s future by overseeing fundraising and alumni engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Create systems and structures for advancement planning and decision-making at all levels.
• Develop a comprehensive and integrated fundraising and alumni engagement program.
• Enhance the advancement functions to engage alumni and donors from acquired institutions.
• Broaden the University’s national and international reach by cultivating relationships with prospective donors.
• Lead strategic objectives for University Advancement, including goal setting, benchmarking, and evaluation.
• Partner with academic departments to increase fundraising for academic programs and grant submissions.
• Cultivate major donors and nurture loyal alumni.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff to represent University of Redlands and the advancement profession.
• Provide active counsel to the President and partner with the Board of Trustees.
• Carry a personal portfolio of leadership gift prospects.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in a major leadership role in a development or advancement program at an institution of significant complexity and accomplishment, preferably in higher education.
• Experience managing a team of fundraising individuals.
• A data-informed approach to setting division goals, tracking progress, and making decisions.
• A person of high integrity who sets high ethical expectations and accountability.
• A track record as a major and principal gift fundraiser and manager of a sophisticated fundraising operation with experience managing one or more comprehensive campaigns.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field.
• An intellectuallly curious and abreast of industry and trends.
• A sense of humor.
• Substantial leadership and management experience, including a history of establishing personal and professional credibility and respect and building trust internally and externally.
• A deep understanding and knowledge of the complexities of running a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual, major, principal, planned, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Outstanding interpersonal competencies with the ability to engage volunteer leadership and a deep commitment to instilling practices and a culture within Advancement that reflects the values of University of Redlands.
• Superior communication skills, including engaging speaking skills, strong writing and active listening skills, and an ability to communicate effectively across constituencies.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking, and goal-oriented development approach.
• Ability to thrive in a metrics-driven, entrepreneurial environment.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion consistent with University of Redlands’ approach to inclusivity and anti-racism.