Description

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the executive cabinet. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader in philanthropy, ideally in a campaign environment; possess a comprehensive knowledge of all major advancement functions; have a track record of significant success in donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship; and the personal energy, enthusiasm and drive to develop a comprehensive advancement program that continually surpasses goals and overcomes obstacles. The selected candidate will manage the Institutional Advancement Division and implement a strategic direction of the development efforts.

The VPIA will be a leader who is respected by the surrounding community, possess considerable experience and skills in an integrated advancement environment; demonstrate experience and success as a strategist at the institutional, departmental, and prospect level, and have a personal track record as a major and principal gift/fund raiser; will engage in ambitious strategic planning, goal-setting, and performance evaluation to support institutional priorities.  The successful candidate will serve as a key presence in conveying a clear sense of focus, competence, and credibility to those who invest in and support the University.  The VPIA will be a leader who takes ownership and pride in the Institution while promoting giving and cultivating successors to be life-long supporters of the University.

In this role, the successful candidate is expected to bring together all fundraising and development activities to include expanding and strengthening the university’s donor base with key internal and external constituencies; increasing annual funds, major gifts, and planned giving; develop and organize an effective team of development professionals; provide leadership, supervision, and motivation to employees and volunteers who participate in University development activities.

Principle Responsibilities:

Fundraising:

• Develop, manage, and implement programs designed to secure annual, capital, and planned gifts for the University.
• Work with the President, as well as key stakeholders, the executive cabinet, deans, faculty, and community leaders to achieve fundraising goals.
• Oversee and direct all advancement and fundraising activities including capital campaign, alumni, corporate, foundation, community relations and public relations programs with overall responsibility for staff, program, and budget management.
• Serve as a catalyst in generating revenue and obtaining major gifts.
• Strategically focus on retaining and upgrading donors while building a robust pipeline of prospects.
• Expand and cultivate relationships that contribute to the university on a long-term basis.
• Serve as the Executive Director of the CSU Development Foundation Board, directing the board to raise funds and friends for the university as well as oversee the endowment and execute other fiduciary responsibilities.

Alumni Relations:

• Manage alumni affairs efforts of the University, including annual fundraising programs, stewardship activities, advancement services, and the activities of the University’s Alumni Association.
• Promote active participation of alumnae in campus, community, and fundraising activities.
• Act as liaison to the CSU Alumni Association.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

Qualifications:

• 8 to 10 years of experience in roles with increasingly responsible experience in advancement, preferably in higher education.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive certification is a plus.
• Must be available to travel, work evening and weekend hours. This position requires a background check, credit check, and a complete financial disclosure.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Recognize and understand the unique role of Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU).
• Experience and success in the development and implementation of fundraising and capital campaigns.
• Possess outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrate the ability to connect the University’s mission and strategic direction with corporate and foundation prospects.
• Have a proven track record of success in establishing and cultivating relationships with alumni.
• Have a proven track record in direct solicitation and management of a significant campaign effort.
• Demonstrate a creative, goal-oriented approach to advancement and generate appropriate strategies to broaden the base of support of the University.
• Have a proven track record of building and directing foundation board to reach fundraising and friend raising goals.