Job Summary/Basic Function

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement provides strong, creative, and strategic leadership for all University branding, development efforts and serves as chief development and marketing officer.

The Vice President is responsible for the development, implementation, and overall success of the University’s comprehensive advancement program consistent with the University’s strategic plan. The Vice President serves as a member of the President’s senior leadership team. Working with the President and the Board of Trustees, this individual develops and implements a comprehensive plan to expand the University’s brand and fundraising efforts through annual giving, alumni engagement, market positioning, and external foundation and corporate relations.

The Vice President is also responsible for the development of robust alumni relations, constituent relations, and prospect research. The Vice President directs a thoughtful, appropriate, and differentiated communications plan that engages diverse audiences with the University and produces measurable results and visibility for the University. The Vice President also develops and implements effective strategies to connect with the University’s alumni and strengthen their engagement with the University. The Vice President will be responsible for establishing the University’s inaugural Center of Excellence for HBCU Corporate Engagement that will focus on outreach, development, placement data and research to support effective advancement.

Areas that report into Institutional Advancement:

Development, Marketing, Media/Public Relations, Alumni Relations, Grants and Sponsored Programs, Strategic Initiatives, Major University Events, Corporate and Foundation Relations.

Essential Functions: 

• Provides vision and leadership in creating Advancement’s strategic direction and managing implementation of plans and programs that enhance fund raising efforts.
• Develops and implements new strategies to connect with the University’s alumni and strengthen their commitment to the University.
• Works closely with the President, Trustees, senior leadership, and faculty to build and strengthen the Office of Institutional Advancement and serves as a key strategist for the University through service on the President’s Cabinet and various other committees.
• Enhances leadership giving efforts by introducing a structured approach to identify and cultivate prospects, solicit prospects and follow-up with current donors.
• Interacts effectively with Board members on a regular basis regarding development and alumni issues; oversees preparation and presentation of materials for the Board’s Advancement Committee and collaborates with that committee’s chair and vice chair.
• Represents the University with various audiences, including alumni and friends, volunteer leadership, foundation and business leaders, potential major donors and others as identified.
• Oversees the administration of the office including the hiring and evaluating of staff and mentoring of staff to build an effective and stable team. Leads and develops a highly effective team of staff members who achieve significant and individually quantifiable goals. Creates a tracking system to measure both individual and overall performance.
• Oversees the development and management of the Advancement Office budget and administrative operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree is required
• Significant and progressively responsible development experience, including familiarity with all areas of fundraising including annual giving, major gifts, planned gifts, corporate and foundation giving, capital campaigns, alumni relations, and events (7 years).
• Strong results orientation and a proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals.
• Significant experience linking donor interests to institutional priorities and the ability to link university-wide issues with opportunities for fundraising.
• Ability to be a strategic partner with the President, the board, volunteer leadership, and senior management, as well as convey an appreciation for and commitment to CSU’s mission and communicate it effectively.
• A genuine appreciation for philanthropy in all its forms.
• Proven success building relationships with multiple, diverse constituencies.
• Must be a strong manager with experience to build, manage and motivate an engaged and collaborative advancement team.
• Must have the experience and ability to assess an institution’s fundraising efficacy and move it to the next level of proficiency and impact.
• Excellent presentation, organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; if you hold a visa, your visa status must allow you to work at Central State University.
• Higher education fundraising experience preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, applicant screening will begin immediately. Salary commensurate with experience.