Vice President for Advancement

Purpose of Position and Scope of Responsibility:

The Vice President for Advancement (VPA) serves as 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. The VPA is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to grow philanthropic support, strengthen alumni and donor engagement, and advance the University's relationships with corporate, denominational, and governmental partners. This individual will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align advancement strategies with the University's mission, vision, and long-term goals.

Responsible for all shifts, 7 days/week, 24 hours/day. Incumbents are subject to callback as required.

Principal Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, forward-thinking advancement strategy to meet the University's fundraising and engagement goals.

• Collaborate with the President and senior leadership to align advancement initiatives with institutional priorities and the strategic plan.

• Develop strategies to increase annual giving revenue, major and planned gifts, and alumni participation in fundraising and engagement activities.

• Serve as a key advisor to the President and Board of Trustees on philanthropic strategy and donor relations.

2. Development (Fundraising)

• Work in concert with the President to 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 to the University's annual fund and identify and cultivate leadership annual giving prospects.

• Build and manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, personally soliciting and closing significant gifts.

3. Alumni Relations

• Develop and oversee programs and events that strengthen alumni engagement, loyalty, and lifelong connection to the University.

• Partner with academic and student affairs leaders to build a pipeline of engaged alumni volunteers, mentors, and donors.

• Oversee alumni communications, reunions, regional chapters, and volunteer leadership structures.

4. Advancement Services

• Oversee gift processing, prospect research, donor records, and reporting to ensure data integrity and compliance with best practices and applicable regulations.

• Provide analytics and reporting to inform fundraising strategy and measure progress toward goals.

• Ensure appropriate stewardship and donor recognition practices are in place and consistently executed.

5. Corporate Engagement

• Develop and lead strategies to cultivate partnerships with corporations and businesses, including sponsorships, workforce partnerships, and philanthropic support.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for corporate grants, in-kind gifts, and collaborative programs that benefit students and the University.

6. Church Relations

• Maintain and strengthen the University's historical relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and other denominational and congregational partners.

• Develop strategies to engage churches and faith communities in student recruitment support, prayer partnerships, and philanthropic giving.

• Represent the University at denominational gatherings and events as appropriate.

7. Government Relations

• Serve as the University's primary liaison to federal, state, and local government officials and agencies on matters affecting the institution.

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education and advise University leadership on implications and opportunities.

• Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and higher education associations to advocate for the University's interests and pursue public funding opportunities.

8. Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to the development, alumni relations, advancement services, corporate engagement, church relations, and government relations teams.

• Foster collaboration across units, including academic affairs, athletics, and University communications, to support advancement goals.

• Build relationships with external partners, including donors, corporations, churches, government officials, and community organizations.

9. Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage budgets for development, alumni relations, advancement services, corporate engagement, church relations, and government relations activities, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost efficiencies across all functional areas.

10. Performs related accountabilities/responsibilities as required or directed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge/Education

Experience

Licensure, Registration, Certification

Bachelor's Degree

A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, development, fundraising, or a related field, preferably in higher education.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge/Education

Experience

Licensure, Registration, Certification

Master's Degree

Proven history of leading successful comprehensive campaigns and achieving fundraising goals. Expertise in major and planned giving, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship best practices; experience with government relations or public policy advocacy; strong understanding of church and denominational relations, ideally within a faith-affiliated institution; exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills; excellent leadership and communication skills with a collaborative, results-driven approach; ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities.

Physical Requirements:

Work requires little or no physical effort. Lifting or performing other work requiring light physical exertion (up to 30 pounds) is intermittent (not a routine part of the job) and secondary to the job.

This position requires frequent travel, evening, and weekend commitments to attend events, cultivate and solicit donors, and represent the University with corporate, church, and government partners.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed under basically normal working conditions as in a standard office environment.