Vice President for Advancement

Description

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Advancement assumes overall responsibilities for leadership and management of a comprehensive institutional advancement program at Husson University. The Vice President’s responsibilities include the general operations and strategic planning for all fundraising and alumni engagement, including annual fund, securing major gifts, capital campaigns, alumni engagement strategies, grants acquisition and administration, marketing and public relations. This includes collaboration with advisory boards and community/business leaders to promote the mission of Husson as a premier professional university. The Vice President for Advancement serves as a member of the President’s Senior Cabinet.

Examples of Duties

• The Vice President works with the President and the Board of Trustees to develop a dynamic philanthropic program.
• Develop and execute the University’s short and long-term strategic budgeting, financial planning, and administrative efforts and initiatives.
• Provides support and staffing to the President, including a portfolio of top donors and prospects.
• Support the Advancement Committee of the Board.
• Provide strategic direction to the Alumni Association Board of Directors and other advisory boards to further the mission and support of the University.
• Establishes collegial working relationships with the President, the Advancement team, Senior Cabinet members, the Board of Trustees (specifically the Board’s Advancement Committee) and other key institutional leaders to identify, develop, implement and assess strategies to increase philanthropic support for the University that includes unrestricted giving, major/endowment giving, planned giving and grants.
• Provides leadership, supervision, and management of the Advancement team including the annual setting of strategic priorities, performance plans, evaluation and assessment, interpretation and analysis of annual program goals and results that are aligned and congruent with the University’s overall strategic plan.
• Provides leadership for the Alumni Engagement and Development programs that will enhance the University’s engagement of alumni, parents, and friends in raising philanthropic support.
• Works effectively with University Marketing and Communication Offices to develop appropriate and timely key messages and materials to effectively support the advancement efforts targeted to various constituent groups.
• Develop productive relationships with members of the senior management of all divisions of the University to best understand and position the University’s strengths, priorities and needs.
• Assists and supports the President and Trustees in identifying, cultivating, and establishing long-term relationships that will yield significant support from donors and prospects.
• Collaborates with Marketing, Admissions, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs in building and enhancing the engagement opportunities of all current and prospective donor constituencies.
• Works closely with the finance & administrative divisions to ensure that all gift receipts and acknowledgements are managed appropriately in a timely fashion and reported to entities as required.
• Ensures the accurate and timely reporting of gifts and implementing comprehensive results reporting systems to facilitate sound decision-making to advance the University.
• Represents the University at events and functions and serves as a valuable and visible member of the University and local community.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience in higher education and/or comparable non-profit organization, including 2 years in management positions supervising fundraising staff. Experience in alumni engagement is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with major gifts, comprehensive campaigns, planned and deferred giving, corporate and foundation solicitation, grant administration, and annual fund programs.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
• Master’s degree in relevant areas or appropriate advanced profession certifications is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• Dynamic and experienced development professional who is a strong leader, collaborator, strategic thinker and team leader.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills with Trustees, alumni, corporate and community leaders, donors, prospects, professional peers and colleagues.
• Understands marketing as it relates to advancement opportunities and functions.
• High level of energy, entrepreneurial spirit, a reputation for accepting and meeting challenges and a sense of humor.
• Knowledgeable of database management technology and committed to its use to facilitate program planning, prospect management, donor research, and results analysis.
• A person of high integrity committed to upholding the Mission of the University and to earning the respect and support of faculty, staff, donors and external constituencies.
• Ability to effectively supervise, coach, and motivate Advancement staff
• Fosters open, collaborative work environment.
• Keeps current with and assures adherence to industry best practices.