Vice President of University Advancement

Vice President of University Advancement The Vice President of University Advancement at Millikin University will provide strategic leadership to drive comprehensive advancement efforts and achieve fundraising, donor and alumni engagement, and community outreach goals. This role calls for an experienced, visionary leader who can inspire others, share Millikin's story, and lead robust engagement and fundraising strategies to support the University's success. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic and changing environment and serves as a supportive and empowering leader who values team development, fosters a culture of collaboration, and inspires high performance within their team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

Leadership and Strategic Management
Leads the development, tactical planning and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
Reports to the President and actively participates on the leadership team which includes sitting on the President's Council, Leadership Council, and serving as a liaison for the Community Engagement Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Leads the Office of Alumni & Development and strengthens relationships with external and internal constituencies.
Strategically generates new ideas, sets goals and objectives, and builds consensus among campus constituents around cultivation and proposal strategies.
Acts as an ambassador for Millikin, building relationships with the University's alumni, donors, prospects and friends.
Operations Leadership
Provides oversight and guidance to department leadership in the areas of Development, Operations, Prospect Research, Alumni Engagement, Donor Engagement and Grants.
Fosters collaboration and coordination of the Office of Alumni & Development with colleges, schools, and departments on campus.
Organizes and develops a strategy for cultivating strong relationships between the President and key donors.
Orchestrates participation of the President, Trustees, Faculty and Students in advancement activities.
Responsible for short- and long-range planning and goal setting for the department.
Strengthens Millikin's relationship with alumni by creating and implementing initiatives that meaningfully engage graduates.
Cultivates and sustains strong relationships with donors at all levels.
Collaborates closely with the Marketing department and external vendors to guide the development of targeted marketing and communications strategies.
Sets the standard for what it means to be a Millikin University advancement professional.
Ensures University policies and procedures related to advancement are upheld.
Ensures all institutional advancement activities operate within budget and ethical practices.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Directly supervises the Alumni and Development team. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training staff members, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining staff members; and addressing complaints and resolving issues.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to drive a team in a focused direction. Professional performance and results working under pressure in a dynamic environment. Demonstrated proficiency with computers, including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. Highly organized, with the ability to plan, execute and multitask in order to meet deadlines and keep projects under budget. Must have a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required Job Qualifications
Professional Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and managerial experience in advancement.
Fundraising Expertise:
Proven experience in planning and executing comprehensive fundraising programs, securing major gifts at the $500,000 level or higher.
Skills:
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Knowledge:
Deep understanding of current trends and best practices in advancement and philanthropy.
Attributes:
A driven professional who sets and achieves ambitious goals.
Leads with integrity, understanding and upholding the legal and ethical aspects of fundraising.
Charismatic and personable with a naturally engaging approach.
A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A passion for higher education and a commitment to the University's mission and values.

Preferred Job Qualifications
Education:
Master's or higher (preferably in higher education administration, business, or non-profit management).
Experience:
The ideal candidate has experience serving as a senior administrator in higher education.
Demonstrated ability to create and implement strategic advancement plans.
Existing connection with the Millikin University community.
Strong community relationships in Central Illinois.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Typical working conditions found in most administrative work areas; alternative or flexible work schedules; regular travel and/or periodic overnight travel.
Work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Communicates effectively and appropriately. Gets along and cooperates with co-workers and appropriately interacts with others.
CONFIDENTIALITY Exchanges university information with others only on a "need to know" basis.
ATTENDANCE Promptly arrives for the designated shift. Follows all applicable policies regarding schedules and attendance.
SAFETY Understands and always uses safe practices.
UNIVERSAL ACCOUNTABILITY Provides excellent service to all customers striving to exceed their expectations.
•