Vice President of Development & Advancement

Job Description

About the Role

In an era where institutional impact is measured not only by performance but by purpose, we are seeking a Vice President of Development & Advancement to lead and elevate a comprehensive, enterprise-wide advancement strategy. This role sits at the intersection of philanthropy, institutional reputation, stakeholder trust, and long-term growth, with responsibility for building sustainable funding engines that support mission, innovation, and societal impact.

The VP of Development & Advancement will serve as the chief architect of advancement strategy, overseeing fundraising, principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations, alumni and donor engagement, campaign planning, and advancement communications. This executive will partner closely with the President/CEO, Board members, senior leadership, and external stakeholders to cultivate transformational relationships and secure significant philanthropic investment.

This role is designed for a leader who understands advancement at scale: managing complex portfolios, leading large teams, stewarding high-net-worth relationships, and aligning development strategy with institutional priorities. The successful candidate will bring strategic vision, executive presence, and the ability to inspire confidence among donors, volunteers, and internal partners alike.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy encompassing major gifts, principal gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, and campaign initiatives.

• Serve as a senior partner to the President/CEO and Board in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding top-tier donors and institutional partners.

• Design and oversee multi-year fundraising campaigns that align philanthropic investment with institutional priorities and long-term strategy.

• Build and manage a high-performing advancement organization, including development, donor relations, advancement communications, and analytics.

• Establish disciplined portfolio management, moves management, and stewardship frameworks to drive donor engagement and retention.

• Strengthen advancement operations through data, reporting, and performance metrics to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to align advancement messaging, storytelling, and brand positioning.

• Partner with Finance and Strategy leaders to ensure funds raised are aligned with institutional impact goals and capital priorities.

• Lead board and volunteer engagement related to advancement committees, campaign leadership, and advisory councils.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in development, advancement, philanthropy, or institutional fundraising.

• Demonstrated success in securing principal gifts, including seven- and eight-figure commitments.

• Experience leading advancement efforts within large, complex organizations such as universities, healthcare systems, foundations, or global nonprofits.

• Strong understanding of campaign strategy, donor psychology, and high-net-worth relationship management.

• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and governing boards.

• Experience managing sizable teams, budgets, and complex donor portfolios.

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to represent the institution at the highest levels.

Personal Capabilities and Qualifications

• Strategic, relationship-driven leader with strong executive presence.

• Highly collaborative with the ability to influence across senior stakeholders.

• Trusted advisor with impeccable judgment, discretion, and integrity.

• Results-oriented with a disciplined, data-informed approach to fundraising.

• Inspirational leader who builds high-performing, mission-aligned teams.

• Comfortable operating in highly visible, high-stakes environments.

Strategic Support

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to institutional strategy and long-range planning.

• Advise leadership on philanthropic trends, donor engagement strategies, and advancement best practices.

• Support capital planning, endowment growth, and strategic initiatives through aligned fundraising efforts.

• Partner with leadership on institutional positioning, reputation, and external relations.

• Support crisis response and sensitive donor matters with discretion and strategic insight.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid executive work environment with national and occasional international travel.

• Frequent engagement with donors, board members, senior leaders, and external partners.

• High-visibility role requiring evening and weekend commitments for events, cultivation, and stewardship activities.

• Dynamic, mission-driven environment with complex stakeholder relationships.

Job Function

• Institutional Advancement Strategy

• Major & Principal Gifts

• Campaign Planning & Execution

• Donor & Alumni Engagement

• Corporate & Foundation Relations

• Advancement Operations & Analytics

• Board & Volunteer Leadership

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $235,000 – $390,000

• Performance-Based Incentive Program

• Deferred Compensation / Long-Term Incentives

• Comprehensive Executive Health Benefits

• Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution

• Executive Coaching & Leadership Development

• Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Schedule

• Travel, Representation, and Professional Expense Support

Why Join Us

• Lead advancement for an institution with meaningful mission and long-term impact.

• Partner directly with executive leadership and board members to shape the future of the organization.

• Drive transformational philanthropy that fuels innovation, growth, and societal benefit.

• Build and lead a best-in-class advancement organization with enterprise-level influence.

• Leave a lasting legacy through sustained institutional impact and donor trust.