Purpose: The Vice President for University Advancement is a member of the President's Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for providing leadership to the University's advancement program, as well as defining a vision that supports the university's goals, objectives, and strategic priorities. The Vice President of Advancement advises the President on all matters pertaining to processes for strategic advancement planning to include annual and comprehensive campaigns, corporate and foundation relations, gift planning, major donors, donor stewardship, prospect management, alumni, parent, and donor-centric practices and special events. In addition, the Vice President is responsible for university relations through local, state, and national affairs as well as marketing, news services, photo-video communications and university publications. The Vice President serves as a liaison for the University's affiliated entities and performs other related duties as assigned by the President.
Essential Job Functions: The Division of University Advancement seeks to expand the University's relationship with its many constituents for purposes of increasing both the financial and human resources of the University; to maintain the goodwill and support of the University's many constituents; and to market the University, its programs, and services to their best possible advantage. Headed by the Vice President of the University Advancement, the division is made up of the Office of Alumni Affairs, University Relations, and University Advancement.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities: Facilitates the University achievement of its development goals and objectives by serving as the chief fund-raising officer by designing a strategy which includes fundraising through annual, corporate and foundation, planned and major gift programs; alumni cultivation and stewardship services for approximately 20,000 graduates; focusing efforts on developing proposals for potential donors, and hosting/sponsoring recognition presentations to donors. Advises the President, senior university administrative officers, and members of the Board of Curators on issues relating to University development and advancement by making presentations at meetings and preparing reports and recommendations, findings and other correspondence as required. Facilitates programs and initiatives designed to engage University alumni, supporters, and the external community. Such programs and initiatives focus on widespread and diverse participation in engagement opportunities. Promotes a positive image and positive external relations for the University by communicating and interacting with city, state, and other officials in matters related to University Advancement, and representing the President and the University in various community, state, and regional activities to promote Lincoln University and higher education. Encourages high morals and the delivery of quality service by each employee within the Division of University Advancement through a leadership style which helps employees strive toward the accomplishment of goals and objectives with enthusiasm. Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President. Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college is required. A master's degree or at least six to eight years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a senior level role is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics: Demonstrated, proactive, strategic, and visionary approach to leadership with a strong work ethic. Ability to integrate strategic activities across the department, institution, community, and forge partnerships. Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices. Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the student-centric mission of Lincoln University with an appreciation of the diverse student population it serves and an understanding of its unique advancement and fundraising opportunities. Knowledge of local and national funding sources. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with an enthusiasm for excellence. The ability to attend off-site meetings and events as needed. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Extensive successful and diverse fund-raising experience, including planning and implementing a successful capital campaign are preferred. Physical Demands: Light sedentary office work. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to work extended hours and weekend work may be required. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.
