Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations

Position Summary

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations is the Chief Advancement Officer at Converse University, responsible for the overall leadership and performance of resource development and external constituents' engagement with the University. The Vice President oversees the daily operations and strategic management of philanthropy and fundraising, institutional advisory boards, special advancement-oriented events, alumni engagement, relationship management, and donor communications, as well as all outreach activities. The Vice President will drive efforts and formulate policies and programs that grow financial and human investment in the University; will coordinate and oversee the University's relationships and partnerships with external entities; will oversee the evolution and implementation of a cohesive fundraising strategy for the University in all forms of outreach to external and internal constituencies; and will supervise and expand efforts that broaden the visibility, reputation, and utilization of the University and its resources to external constituencies.

The Vice President will serve on the University's President's Cabinet and works directly with the Board of Trustees to build visibility, relationships, and resources The Vice President will provide strategic direction and oversight for the functional areas of Philanthropy and Relationship Management (fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship), Advancement Services, Advisory Boards, Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations, Grant Support, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Communications and Marketing, and Special Donor and Alumni Events.

To view the full position profile, please view Converse – Position Profile

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic Executive Leadership

• Act as Chief Advancement Officer supporting the President and the Board of Trustees in building relationships and facilitating programs and initiatives designed to engage a broad range of constituents, including alumni, donors, athletic boosters, corporations, foundations, public officials, and other friends of the University.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and University Leadership to develop multi-year fund-raising goals and corresponding strategies for sustainable long-term growth.
• Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and collaborates with other members in the assessment, development, and implementation of institutional initiatives, policies, and procedures.
• Counsel and advise the President and President's Cabinet on Institutional Advancement matters, including the success of departmental day-to-day operations, conveying an atmosphere of excellence and distinction in support of the University's mission, vision, core values, and goals.
• Partner with the President and collaborate university-wide, actively driving the strategic plan forward in alignment with system and state initiatives. Participate in the development and implementation of strategic long-term plans.

Management Philanthropy, Advancement Services, Alumni, Grants, and Marketing and Communications

Communications and Marketing

Advancement Strategy and Operations

Philanthropy

QUALIFICATIONS The Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations will be a person of character, drive, creativity, and integrity. He or she will be a leader who can work both autonomously and as a member of a collaborative, tightly-knit team under strong presidential leadership. He or she will be an effective and inspiring manager who is a strong communicator, who has excellent organizational and writing skills, and who provides vision, accountability, leadership and support to the division as a whole and individual team members. He or she will have the ability and confidence to serve as a chief strategic advisor to the President and Board of Trustees in the University's efforts to develop and implement multi-year advancement strategies and to strengthen governance transparency. He or she will have a deep understanding of and commitment to the value of a historic women's college as well as the benefits and opportunities of expanding and advancing the institution. He or she will appreciate being driven to achieve results and will develop a results-oriented team.

Minimum Qualifications for Consideration

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

We believe that a diverse faculty and staff are essential to achieving academic excellence; thus, we strongly encourage applications from candidates from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

COMPENSATION Salary offered will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the candidate selected. Converse University offers employees a collegial environment committed to professional growth, work-life balance, and a purpose-driven community committed to excellence, creativity, and inclusion. Converse encourages ongoing professional development and participation in national advancement and leadership associations. Converse University provides employees with comprehensive benefits that make total compensation competitive and attractive for employees. In addition to generous vacation leave and holiday paid time off, benefit options include :

For more information, please visit Converse University 2025-2026 Annual Benefits Brochure Relocation assistance and executive onboarding support me be available for the successful candidate.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates are asked to apply through the FGP website posting at Application Link - VP Advancement & External Relations . Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the FGP team until the position is filled. Any questions can be directed to Christin Mack with Find Great People, LLC at .