Vice President of Advancement
Vice President of Advancement
JOB SUMMARY
The Vice President of Advancement serves as the chief fundraising officer for the University, providing strategic leadership for all development and alumni relations efforts. This senior leadership position is responsible for creating and executing comprehensive advancement strategies, overseeing major gift cultivation, capital campaign management, and maintaining strong relationships with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders.The position reports directly to the University President and works closely with the Board of Trustees to advance the institution's mission and strategic priorities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSTRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & PLANNING
- Partners with the University President and Board of Trustees to advance the institution's mission, vision, and strategic goals
- Develops and implements comprehensive fundraising and strategic plans, including budget development and goal setting
- Provides regular progress reports to the President and Board of Trustees on development efforts and campaign progress
- Evaluates and drives the implementation of technology platforms to support advancement initiatives
- Analyzes statistical data to track fundraising progress and assess strategy effectiveness
- Designs and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies, including capital campaigns, annual giving programs, major gift programs, and planned giving initiatives
- Implements research-based fundraising programs targeting individuals, corporations, foundations, public charities, and government agencies
- Identifies, cultivates, and personally solicits qualified donor prospects through face-to-face meetings
- Leads the development of formal proposals for major gifts, planned gifts, and capital campaign solicitations
- Manages the 851 Society ($1,000 and more) annual giving program
- Oversees donor recognition programs and stewardship of existing funding relationships
- Ensures accurate and timely gift processing and donor acknowledgment
- Serves as the University's primary ambassador for advancement initiatives
- Builds and maintains relationships with donors, alumni, community leaders, and key stakeholders
- Conducts relationship-building events and activities for donors, prospects, and alumni
- Represents the University at community events and functions
- Develops partnerships with external constituents to support academic and programmatic priorities
- Identifies and pursues opportunities for new funding partnerships and institutional collaborations
- Provides direct supervision and leadership to advancement staff
- Coordinates day-to-day operations of the advancement department
- Ensures effective gift processing and database management systems
- Supports ongoing alumni relations efforts
- Bachelor's degree required
- Masters degree preferred
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive fundraising experience
- Higher education advancement experience preferred
- Demonstrated success in managing capital campaigns
- Track record of successful major gift solicitation and closure
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal abilities and relationship-building skills
- Proven presentation and public speaking capabilities
- Experience with CRM systems and digital fundraising platforms
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies
- Strong organizational and analytical skills
- Strategic planning and execution expertise
- Regular travel required
- Evening and weekend work for events and donor meetings
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently
- Daily contact with administration, faculty, staff, and students.
- Regular contact with the general public.
- Must be able to work with diverse populations.
- REPORTS TO: President
Spalding University offers a comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, Spalding matching contribution up to 5% to your 403b/Roth retirement plan, generous Paid Time Off program, Parental Leave, 21 holidays including 2 weeks off at the end of the year, paid life insurance and short-term disability, paid time for volunteering, free gym membership, and more.
Situated in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentuckys largest city, Spalding University combines a rich social justice history and a commitment to community service as we attract students who desire a high-quality education in a very personalized setting.An engaged faculty serves nearly 2300 students at the bachelors, masters and doctoral levels, providing real-world learning in liberal and professional studies.
Faculty, staff and students are united by the institutional mission: Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with an emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.
With a focus on service and leadership, Spalding offers all students a mission-driven connection to community and comprehensive learning resources while striking a distinctive balance serving the educational needs of both the traditional student and the working student.In addition, our unique6-week class delivery format affords students scheduling flexibility amidst other life responsibilities.
Spalding aspires to become the first choice for students of compassion and service, with a commitment to cultural diversity, equity and inclusion, celebrated for a rigorous yet nurturing environment, emulated for interdisciplinary, collaborations, and acclaimed for contributions to the community.
Spalding University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University complies with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. It is the Universitys policy not to discriminate against any individual or group of individuals and to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, veteran status or other protected status.All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.