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.
• 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.
• 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 30 to 50% 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.
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. Acceptance of the University’s Statement of Faith.
4. Active member of a Christian Church/Church of Christ (Restoration Movement) congregation.
5. The ability to work effectively with many diverse constituencies in a university environment should be evident.
6. 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.
7. Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is also required.
8. Strong Microsoft Office skills and competency in technology related to management programs.
9. Having experience in budgeting, analysis and strategic planning, event planning, fundraising, public speaking and able to provide oversight to multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
10. 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.