Vice President of Advancement
Apply NowCompany: Benedictine University
Location: Lisle, IL 60532
Description:
Vice President of Advancement
Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community, inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and Benedictine values. We seek employees who will contribute to the advancement of our mission by helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.
Job Title: Vice President ofAdvancement
Department: University Advancement
Reports to: President of Benedictine University
Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible
Rate: $133,000-$156,000
Location: Lisle Campus
Benedictine University, aprivate Catholic liberal arts institution in the Benedictine wisdom tradition,seeks a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Advancement (VPA) to lead itsfundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
Benedictine University offers aunique opportunity for a mission-driven advancement leader to make a lastingimpact. With a rich Catholic tradition and commitment to academic excellence,Benedictine is poised for growth, and the Vice President for Advancement willplay a pivotal role in shaping its future. The University has recently engagedin a comprehensive restructure of its Advancement operations and team to createa "best-in-class" structure and strategy for fundraising and alumni engagement.This is a chance to join a passionate leadership team dedicated to expandingaccess to education, fostering alumni connections, and ensuring long-termfinancial sustainability.
Position Summary:
Reporting directly to the Presidentand serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Vice Presidentof Advancement will be accountable for leading a team that develops andexecutes strategies to enhance constituent engagement and increases annual,major, and planned giving results.
The ideal candidate will be anexperienced advancement professional with a proven track record in fundraising,donor relations, and campaign leadership. The VPA will work closely with theBoard of Trustees, university leadership, faculty, alumni, and externalstakeholders to foster a culture of philanthropy that aligns with theUniversity's strategic plan.
The VPA is expected to be avisionary leader who seamlessly integrates strategic development with a deepcommitment to the Catholic and Benedictine values of community, hospitality,stewardship, and stability. As such, the VPA is someone who not only drivessuccessful advancement strategies but does so with a reflective,servant-leadership style that honors the rich tradition of Benedictine wisdomand the transformative mission of Catholic education.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
1. Mission-Driven Leadership:
A deep understanding and personal alignment with the University's Catholic identity and Benedictine wisdom tradition. The VPA should be passionate about fostering spiritual growth, intellectual inquiry, and a sense of community rooted in values like humility, stability, and service.
2. Strategic and Innovative Thinking:
A proven track record in crafting and executing strategic plans for fundraising, alumni relations, and community and career engagement. The VPA must be capable of innovating while honoring the institution's heritage, effectively balancing tradition with forward-thinking approaches.
3. Relationship Building and Community:
Exceptional interpersonal skills to cultivate lasting relationships with alumni, donors, community leaders, and internal stakeholders. This involves clear, persuasive communication that resonates with diverse audiences, conveying how each advancement initiative contributes to both institutional success and the broader mission.
4. Collaborative and Inclusive Approach:
A collaborative spirit that works effectively with academic and administrative teams. The VPA should foster an inclusive environment where multiple perspectives are valued, ensuring that advancement efforts reflect the collective vision of the university community.
5. Stewardship and Ethical Integrity:
A commitment to responsible stewardship of resources, grounded in ethical decision-making and transparency. The leadership of the VPA ought to exemplify how wise resource management enhances both educational opportunities and the spiritual life of the community.
6. Major Donor Portfolio Management:
Serve as the principal steward of a designated portfolio of major donors, responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing significant philanthropic gifts that align with the institution's strategic priorities. This entails developing and executing tailored engagement and solicitation strategies, coordinating with internal teams to align donor interests with institutional needs, and ensuring ongoing stewardship to maintain and deepen donor relations over time.
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising
Alumni & Constituent Engagement
Operational & Team Leadership
Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Education and/or experience in business, nonprofit management, higher education administration, or related field preferred.
Experience: Demonstrated success with progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, or a related field, preferably in higher education. Demonstrated success in securing major and principal gifts, building donor pipelines, and leading capital or comprehensive campaigns preferred. Strong leadership experience with a track record of developing and mentoring high-performing teams. Experience working with Board members, institutional leadership, and high-net-worth donors in fundraising and strategic planning.
Specific Skills: Outstanding organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
Specific Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications: Deep knowledge of Catholic and Benedictine values, with an appreciation for the role of faith-based education in shaping students' lives.
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Use of computer screen, phone and customer service. May require bending or sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The following of campus specific guidelines for pandemic protocols are required.
Travel (If applicable): Yes
Supervisory Responsibility (if applicable): Yes
Working Conditions: Normal Office Environment
Training: Must complete all trainings required by Benedictine University.
Preferred application deadline: April 19, 2025.
Employee Benefits Package:
We are pleased to offer the following benefits to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Please note that benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements may apply:
Benedictine University does not discriminate in itsadmissions or educational policies, programs or activities; scholarship andloan programs; athletic and other University administered programs oremployment practices on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex,sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, maritalstatus, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.The laws applicable to Benedictine University include constitutional andstatutory protections of the University's rights as a religiously sponsoredinstitution. This policy of equalemployment opportunity applies to all employment and personnel practicesincluding, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promotion, training andcompensation.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will berequired to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and tocomplete the required employment eligibility verification document form uponhire. The following of campus specificguidelines for pandemic protocols are required.
Benedictine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community, inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and Benedictine values. We seek employees who will contribute to the advancement of our mission by helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.
Job Title: Vice President ofAdvancement
Department: University Advancement
Reports to: President of Benedictine University
Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible
Rate: $133,000-$156,000
Location: Lisle Campus
Benedictine University, aprivate Catholic liberal arts institution in the Benedictine wisdom tradition,seeks a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Advancement (VPA) to lead itsfundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
Benedictine University offers aunique opportunity for a mission-driven advancement leader to make a lastingimpact. With a rich Catholic tradition and commitment to academic excellence,Benedictine is poised for growth, and the Vice President for Advancement willplay a pivotal role in shaping its future. The University has recently engagedin a comprehensive restructure of its Advancement operations and team to createa "best-in-class" structure and strategy for fundraising and alumni engagement.This is a chance to join a passionate leadership team dedicated to expandingaccess to education, fostering alumni connections, and ensuring long-termfinancial sustainability.
Position Summary:
Reporting directly to the Presidentand serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Vice Presidentof Advancement will be accountable for leading a team that develops andexecutes strategies to enhance constituent engagement and increases annual,major, and planned giving results.
The ideal candidate will be anexperienced advancement professional with a proven track record in fundraising,donor relations, and campaign leadership. The VPA will work closely with theBoard of Trustees, university leadership, faculty, alumni, and externalstakeholders to foster a culture of philanthropy that aligns with theUniversity's strategic plan.
The VPA is expected to be avisionary leader who seamlessly integrates strategic development with a deepcommitment to the Catholic and Benedictine values of community, hospitality,stewardship, and stability. As such, the VPA is someone who not only drivessuccessful advancement strategies but does so with a reflective,servant-leadership style that honors the rich tradition of Benedictine wisdomand the transformative mission of Catholic education.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
1. Mission-Driven Leadership:
A deep understanding and personal alignment with the University's Catholic identity and Benedictine wisdom tradition. The VPA should be passionate about fostering spiritual growth, intellectual inquiry, and a sense of community rooted in values like humility, stability, and service.
2. Strategic and Innovative Thinking:
A proven track record in crafting and executing strategic plans for fundraising, alumni relations, and community and career engagement. The VPA must be capable of innovating while honoring the institution's heritage, effectively balancing tradition with forward-thinking approaches.
3. Relationship Building and Community:
Exceptional interpersonal skills to cultivate lasting relationships with alumni, donors, community leaders, and internal stakeholders. This involves clear, persuasive communication that resonates with diverse audiences, conveying how each advancement initiative contributes to both institutional success and the broader mission.
4. Collaborative and Inclusive Approach:
A collaborative spirit that works effectively with academic and administrative teams. The VPA should foster an inclusive environment where multiple perspectives are valued, ensuring that advancement efforts reflect the collective vision of the university community.
5. Stewardship and Ethical Integrity:
A commitment to responsible stewardship of resources, grounded in ethical decision-making and transparency. The leadership of the VPA ought to exemplify how wise resource management enhances both educational opportunities and the spiritual life of the community.
6. Major Donor Portfolio Management:
Serve as the principal steward of a designated portfolio of major donors, responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing significant philanthropic gifts that align with the institution's strategic priorities. This entails developing and executing tailored engagement and solicitation strategies, coordinating with internal teams to align donor interests with institutional needs, and ensuring ongoing stewardship to maintain and deepen donor relations over time.
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising
- Develop and implement a multi-year advancement strategy focused on increasing annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving to support the University's mission and long-term financial health.
- Lead efforts to build the unrestricted endowment, ensuring sustainable funding for scholarships, academic programs, and institutional priorities.
- Design and execute targeted fundraising campaigns, including a potential comprehensive or capital campaign, to address key institutional needs.
- Establish and nurture relationships with major donors, alumni, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
- Collaborate with the President and Board of Trustees to cultivate high-impact philanthropic opportunities.
Alumni & Constituent Engagement
- Strengthen alumni relations by creating meaningful engagement opportunities that encourage lifelong connections and giving.
- Oversee a robust stewardship program that acknowledges and retains donors while inspiring increased giving over time.
- Expand the University's donor pipeline through strategic prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
Operational & Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor a high-performing advancement team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and innovation.
- Oversee advancement operations, including donor research, gift processing, reporting, and compliance with fundraising best practices.
- Develop and manage budgets for the advancement division, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
- Utilize data-driven decision-making to track progress toward fundraising goals and optimize strategies.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Education and/or experience in business, nonprofit management, higher education administration, or related field preferred.
Experience: Demonstrated success with progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, or a related field, preferably in higher education. Demonstrated success in securing major and principal gifts, building donor pipelines, and leading capital or comprehensive campaigns preferred. Strong leadership experience with a track record of developing and mentoring high-performing teams. Experience working with Board members, institutional leadership, and high-net-worth donors in fundraising and strategic planning.
Specific Skills: Outstanding organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
Specific Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications: Deep knowledge of Catholic and Benedictine values, with an appreciation for the role of faith-based education in shaping students' lives.
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Use of computer screen, phone and customer service. May require bending or sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The following of campus specific guidelines for pandemic protocols are required.
Travel (If applicable): Yes
Supervisory Responsibility (if applicable): Yes
Working Conditions: Normal Office Environment
Training: Must complete all trainings required by Benedictine University.
Preferred application deadline: April 19, 2025.
Employee Benefits Package:
We are pleased to offer the following benefits to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Please note that benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements may apply:
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage to support your health needs.
- Disability Insurance: Protection for both short-term and long-term disability.
- Life Insurance: Financial security for your loved ones in case of the unexpected.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and mental health days.
- Retirement Plans: Save for your future with our retirement savings options.
- Mental Health Support: Access to counseling and resources for mental well-being.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for your education and professional development.
- Financial Wellness Advisors: Personalized advice to help manage and plan your finances.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
Benedictine University does not discriminate in itsadmissions or educational policies, programs or activities; scholarship andloan programs; athletic and other University administered programs oremployment practices on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex,sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, maritalstatus, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.The laws applicable to Benedictine University include constitutional andstatutory protections of the University's rights as a religiously sponsoredinstitution. This policy of equalemployment opportunity applies to all employment and personnel practicesincluding, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promotion, training andcompensation.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will berequired to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and tocomplete the required employment eligibility verification document form uponhire. The following of campus specificguidelines for pandemic protocols are required.
Benedictine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.