Associate Vice President, Advancement/Executive Director, Foundation

About Us

VOTED BEST PLACE TO WORK IN LEWIS COUNTY 2025

Centralia College is on a 30-acre campus of modern buildings set among walking paths, lawns, and native plantings just a few blocks from the heart of Centralia, Washington. The college has served students in the Lewis County region since 1925 and is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington State. The city of Centralia is a historic railroad and river shipping hub with a vibrant downtown and railway station.

As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Centralia College is committed to the success of all students, and thus also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington and one juvenile facility. In total, the college serves more than 4,800 students annually. For nearly 100 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and enhancing and supporting our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We encourage applicants with demonstrated experience collaborating with, and serving, people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information on Centralia College and the Centralia area, call 360-736-9391 or visit www.centralia.edu.

Job Description

The Associate Vice President for Advancement serves as the colleges Chief Advancement and Marketing Officer and Executive Director of the Centralia College Foundation, providing strategic leadership for fundraising, marketing, communications, alumni relations, and community engagement.

This position is responsible for advancing Centralia Colleges mission, visibility, enrollment, and philanthropic support through an integrated advancement model that aligns fundraising, brand strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The AVP develops and implements a comprehensive advancement program, and ensures alignment with institutional priorities, including equity, diversity, and inclusion. This position reports to the Centralia College Foundation Board for all Foundation related work and activities.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the colleges advancement enterprise, including fundraising, marketing, communications, alumni relations, and community engagement.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement and marketing strategy that supports institutional priorities, increases philanthropic support, and strengthens enrollment and visibility.
• Serve as Executive Director of the Foundation, providing oversight of board governance, operations, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead all fundraising and philanthropic development efforts, including donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and campaign management.
• Direct institutional marketing, communications, and brand strategy to ensure consistent messaging and effective engagement with internal and external audiences.
• Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, alumni, community partners, and civic leaders, serving as an ambassador for the college.
• Establish performance metrics and ensure accountability for advancement, marketing, and fundraising outcomes.
• Provide leadership and supervision of advancement and marketing staff, including hiring, evaluation, and professional development.
• Manage financial and operational resources to ensure effective and compliant use of funds and alignment with institutional goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as Chief Advancement Officer, leading fundraising, marketing, communications, and alumni relations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Establish goals, metrics, and evaluation processes.
• Advise the President and Cabinet on fundraising, brand, and engagement strategies.
• Participate on the Presidents Cabinet and assigned committees.

Foundation Leadership & Philanthropy

• Serve as Executive Director of CC Foundation
• Coordinate Foundation operations under guidance from the Foundation Board.
• Lead board engagement, governance, and operations.
• Oversee Foundation finances, investments, and compliance.
• Lead all fundraising programs, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and other sources .
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors and community partners.
• Develop and execute fundraising campaigns and donor pipeline strategies.
• Ensure proper gift management, reporting, and stewardship.

Marketing, Communications & Engagement

• Lead institutional marketing, communications, and brand strategy to enhance visibility and reputation.
• Develop integrated campaigns supporting enrollment, fundraising, and public engagement.
• Ensure consistent brand identity and messaging across platforms.
• Oversee media relations, digital marketing, and publications.
• Use data and analytics to guide strategy and performance.
• Partner with enrollment to support recruitment and retention efforts.
• Lead alumni relations and engagement programs.
• Build and maintain partnerships with alumni, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Represent the college as an external ambassador.

Supervision & Operations

• Supervise and develop advancement, marketing, and foundation staff.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, and professional development.
• Manage budgets and ensure effective resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with policies and foster a high-performing team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution in business, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, fundraising, marketing, or nonprofit leadership (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated success in fundraising or advancement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, communications, or brand strategy.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations and fundraising regulations.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in a related field.
• Experience leading advancement and marketing functions in higher education.
• Experience serving as Executive Director of a Foundation or working closely with a governing board.
• Certification in fundraising (e.g., CFRE).
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, and digital marketing platforms.
• Demonstrated success managing comprehensive campaigns (annual, capital, or enrollment-driven).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands of the Associate Vice President, Advancement / Executive Director, Foundation position require employees to regularly talk, hear, stand, walk, and use hands and arms to perform tasks. This position involves frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders and may require attendance at events, meetings, and activities on- and off-campus.

Work is performed in a variety of settings, including office environments, campus facilities, and external venues. Evening and weekend hours, as well as occasional travel, may be required to support events, fundraising activities, and community engagement.

Disability Accommodation

Approved reasonable accommodation requests will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Conditions of Employment

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time administrative exempt position. The salary is $140,000-$150,000 (DOQ/DOE) annually depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees. The position may participate in the TIAA/CREF retirement system.

This position is fully in-person and based on campus. Remote work is not available for this role.

DEADLINE: The initial review of applications will begin on August 3, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

COMPENSATION:

Annual Salary: $140,000-$150,000 (DOQ/DOE)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed resume of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Eligibility to Work

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Centralia College is unable to extend post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to F-1 students who receive STEM degrees.

Background Check

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicants current or past employers. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

EEO Statement

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, (360)623-8943.

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call (360)623-8943.

Jeanne Clery Statement

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report-Centralia Colleges Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 360-623-8947.

Title IX Statement

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.