Vice President, Advancement
On-siteSalt Lake City, Utah, United States
Job Summary
Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to deepen relationships with alumni, donors, foundations, and strategic partners while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the university. Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing fundraising team, overseeing major gifts, annual giving, corporate relations, and grants administration from identification through compliance. Manage operating budgets, optimize resource allocation, and champion the strategic use of CRM systems and data analytics to drive continuous improvement in donor engagement. Serve as a trusted advisor to the President's Leadership Team, collaborating closely with academic and enrollment leaders to align messaging and maximize the impact of university-wide initiatives. This full-time role requires occasional travel up to 20% and involves leading a diverse workforce dedicated to expanding access to higher education.
Required Qualifications
- Exceptional leadership and organizational acumen with a proven ability to lead high-performing, cross-functional teams in complex, mission-driven environments
- Proven success in securing major and principal gifts (5-, 6-, and 7-figure), driving multi-channel fundraising strategies, and exceeding ambitious philanthropic targets
- Deep understanding of best practices in higher education fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship
- Expertise in grant management, including full lifecycle development, reporting, and compliance
- Proficient in using advancement technology, CRM systems, and fundraising analytics to optimize donor engagement and strategic decision-making
- Inspirational, collaborative, and entrepreneurial leadership style that fosters innovation, accountability, and team empowerment
- Skilled relationship-builder with a strong network and ability to engage high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, and philanthropic institutions
- Results-driven and analytical, with the ability to translate metrics into actionable fundraising strategies and performance improvements
- Strong financial acumen with experience overseeing multi-million dollar Advancement budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship and high-return investment in fundraising initiatives
- Managerial courage and willingness to tackle challenges and innovate in a rapidly evolving environment
- Excellent judgment and adaptability, making strategic decisions that drive impact
- Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution
- 10+ years of progressive senior leadership experience, including leading teams of directors and multiple managers
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in fundraising, with a proven ability to develop and implement successful strategies
- Demonstrated success in securing 5-7 figure gifts from high-net-worth donors
- Experience in an entrepreneurial business, political fundraising, or education-related environment
- Occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year)
- Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed
- Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution
- Existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals capable of $100,000+ donations
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