Description

Vice President for Institutional Advancement 

Position Description 

Official Title Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) 

Department Advancement 

Report To President 

Category Full-Time 

FLSA Status Exempt 

Primary Duties: The principal, main, major or most important duties the employee performs The Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) serves as the Chief Advancement Officer of the  University. The VPIA is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive plan  for university advancement in support of MACU’s strategic plan and mission. The VPIA has overall  responsibility for the management of major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and  foundation grants, marketing, communications and public relations, publications, alumni and church  relations as well as special events.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the  essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.  

 Strategy and Advancement:

Advance the mission, vision, and short and long-term goals of the University in coordination with the University President and the Leadership Team.  

Work closely with the President in all phases of his advancement and campaign leadership  activities.  

Serve as a member of the University Leadership Team and maintain close working relationships  with members of the Board of Trustees and key alumni/parents/friends. 

Provides strategic direction and leadership in the internal and external communication,  marketing and branding of the college. 

Help further develop and orchestrate the implementation of the university's strategic plan to  advance institutional advancement efforts. 

Participate in strategic discussions and develop programs to strengthen the financial resources  of the University. 

Fundraising and Donor Cultivation:

Maintain a dynamic portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and secure major, capital, and  planned gifts, as well as advanced annual gifts and endowment support. 

Create and execute fund raising plans that utilize best practices in annual, major, and planned  gift programs to meet fundraising goals. 

Ensure dynamic processes in all phases of donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and  stewardship. 

Develops and recommends annual budget requests to support advancement goals and  objectives; allocates and monitors spending.

Oversee University-wide marketing activities, including production, quality control, and  scheduling for the Mid-Atlantic Messenger (i.e., University newsletter), direct mail, stewardship  appeals, gift receipt letters, grant proposals, advertising, marketing collateral, press releases,  media kits, etc., along with providing input on student recruitment materials, website design  and content, and promotional audio/video productions. 

Oversee and/or assist with all institutional development-related events, including, but not  limited to: President’s Gala scholarship reception, Jack Cottrell annual lectureship event, Seniors  By the Sea, Homecoming, donor recognition, ribbon cutting ceremonies, and other events as  assigned by the President. 

Maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, coaches, and campus departments  whose cooperation is essential to effective outreach and fund raising.  

Serve as the staff liaison for Institutional Advancement to the Board of Trustees and the MACU  Foundation Board. 

Serve as an exemplary University advocate in the community, with local leaders, religious  organizations, business and corporate partnerships, and other leaders, and build relationships  that closely link the community with the University. 

Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, and evaluates the work of assigned staff. Travel is required: the VPIA must be willing to travel 15 to 25% of the time. 

All other duties as assigned by the President. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential  functions.  

Understanding of principles and practices related to institutional advancement. Familiarity with philanthropy and fundraising practices, including professional ethics and gift  reporting standards. 

Knowledge of marketing, public relations, and branding strategies. 

Understanding of strategic planning and budget management principles. 

Ability to delegate responsibilities and authority effectively. 

Skill in collaborating with various stakeholders. 

Proficiency in computer operation and relevant software programs. 

Competence in decision-making and problem-solving. 

Strong interpersonal skills for effective public interaction. 

Proficient in both oral and written communication. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree is required, and master’s degree is preferred.  

2. A minimum of ten years of experience as an advancement professional in Christian higher education  is preferred.  

3. The ability to work effectively with many diverse constituencies in a university environment should be  evident. 

4. Must have a strong work ethic, competitive nature, personal integrity, emotional intelligence, a sense  of humor, excellent communication skills, strategic thinking and planning skills, and a vocational call to  Christian higher education.  

5. Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is also required. 

6. Strong Microsoft Office skills and competency in technology related to management programs. 

7. Having experience in budgeting, analysis and strategic planning, event planning, fundraising, public  speaking and able to provide oversight to multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.  

8. Maintains a dynamic, consistent, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ; must be  willing to sign and adhere to the University’s Statement of Faith and Standards of Conduct.