Position Summary

FLC is an institution on the move. In the last year two years, FLC has set fund raising records, launched a new strategic plan, embraced a focused diversity equity and inclusion stance, and build a culture of success. FLC seeks a dynamic and outcomes-driven professional to guide institutional advancement to continue our growth trajectory.

The Vice President for Advancement is FLC’s chief development officer and is a key advisor to the President who leads a team of development professionals whose primary responsibility is to secure private philanthropic funds and resources to advance the strategic plan and is equity-focused on the College. Areas of team responsibility include; major gifts, planned gifts, annual giving, corporate and Foundation relations, and development systems and services.

The Vice President for Advancement also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Lewis College Foundation, the private nonprofit, which is the fundraising and fund management entity supporting FLC. The position works closely with the Board of Directors to raise, invest, budget, and steward private contributions made to the Foundation in support of the College. Reporting to the President of the College, the Vice President works closely with the College Foundation Board of Directors, the College Board of Trustees, Provost, Deans, and other academic and administrative leaders to set strategic direction and execute all fundraising and development activities and services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the role of philanthropy in the catalytic change in higher education
• Proven track record of providing strategic direction, leadership, and operational management resulting in a marked improvement in execution and revenue growth
• Demonstrated sustained fundraising success including creating and aligning goals and strategies with the broader College vision
• Ability to be a strategic partner to campus leadership who can design and execute initiatives to campaigns increase fundraising at FLC
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to translate FLC’s mission into philanthropic partnerships
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills that can convey the importance of FLC’s mission and strategic plan to donors and potential donors
• In-depth knowledge of advancement office operational models and functions, including experience with budget preparation, planning, and resource management in higher education or with a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
• Experience and demonstrated success with working with a governing board
• Proven management experience and administrative skills to organize, direct, motivate and evaluate other professionals, support staff, and volunteers
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, matrixed organization focused on outcomes

Major Responsibilities

• Provide philanthropic vision, strategy, and leadership to the development team and campus that is aligned with the College strategic plan
• Serve as the lead-fundraiser actively developing and engaging high net-worth individuals, institutional funders, corporations and foundations, and others interested in supporting our mission.
• Lead a team of professionals including advancement services, financial manager, development officers, and constituent relations.
• Lead the gift staff in defining and refining individual fundraising strategies and goals that will sustain the future FLC
• Work directly with campus leaders, including deans, directors, and others to create gifts in support of the College’s mission and service to students
• Coordinate all College initiatives with major gift prospects, including clearing approaches and timing, maintaining a record of all subsequent interactions, and monitoring and reporting on major gift activity
• Staff the President in major gift cultivation and solicitation
• And other duties as assigned

Application materials received by August 1, 2020 will receive full consideration. Position will remain open until filled. The successful candidate will be required to submit original, official college transcripts, and pass a background check.