Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Apply NowCompany: University of Virginia
Location: Richmond, VA 23223
Description:
Virginia Union University is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.
Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.
Job Summary: The Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VPIA) is a key executive leader responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to advance the mission and goals of the institution through fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and external partnerships. This role involves leading efforts to secure philanthropic support, enhance the institution's visibility, and build strong relationships with donors, alumni, corporate partners, and the broader community. The VPIA works closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and other senior leaders to drive the institution's strategic priorities.
Core Competencies:
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Work Environment: This position typically operates in an executive office environment, with frequent travel required for donor meetings, events, and professional conferences. The VPIA may also need to attend evening and weekend events as part of their duties.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information about Virginia Union University, visit Virginia Union University.
VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.
Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.
Job Summary: The Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VPIA) is a key executive leader responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to advance the mission and goals of the institution through fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and external partnerships. This role involves leading efforts to secure philanthropic support, enhance the institution's visibility, and build strong relationships with donors, alumni, corporate partners, and the broader community. The VPIA works closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and other senior leaders to drive the institution's strategic priorities.
Core Competencies:
- Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and implement long-term advancement strategies that align with institutional goals.
- Relationship Building: Expertise in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with donors, alumni, and external partners.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey the institution's mission and impact effectively.
- Ethical Leadership: Commitment to ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of fundraising and institutional advancement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a strategic plan for institutional advancement that aligns with the institution's mission, vision, and goals.
- Provide visionary leadership and direction to the advancement, development, alumni relations, communications, and marketing functions.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate advancement goals with the institution's overall strategic plan.
- Lead and manage all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and capital campaigns.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, prospects, and key stakeholders to secure significant philanthropic support.
- Oversee the development of effective fundraising materials, proposals, and presentations.
- Strengthen and expand alumni engagement initiatives, fostering a lifelong connection between alumni and the institution.
- Develop and implement programs to increase alumni involvement in institutional activities, volunteerism, and giving.
- Work with the President and Board of Trustees to engage key stakeholders and support institutional priorities.
- Manage public relations efforts to promote the institution's achievements and respond to media inquiries.
- Collaborate with the President and Board of Trustees to support fundraising efforts and provide regular updates on advancement activities.
- Prepare reports and presentations for Board meetings and committees.
- Provide professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and effectiveness of the advancement staff.
Qualifications:
- Education: A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, or communications) is preferred. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in institutional advancement, development, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in higher education, non-profit organizations, or related sectors is highly desirable.
Work Environment: This position typically operates in an executive office environment, with frequent travel required for donor meetings, events, and professional conferences. The VPIA may also need to attend evening and weekend events as part of their duties.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information about Virginia Union University, visit Virginia Union University.