Vice President of University Advancement

Vice President of University Advancement
Job no:
495174
Work type:
Administrative (Full Time)
Location:
Marion, IN
Categories:
Administrative/Professional
Job Title:
Vice President of University Advancement
Reporting Relationship:
University President
Unit:
Central Administration
Department:
University Advancement - Central Administration
Campus Location:
John Wesley Admin Building, Marion, IN
Summary of Position:
The Vice President for University Advancement serves as the University's chief advancement officer and a member of the President's Cabinet. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President provides strategic leadership for all fundraising, donor engagement, alumni and constituent relations, university relations, and advancement operations in support of the University's mission and long-term strategic priorities.
The Vice President will lead and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that strengthens on-going philanthropic support, deepens constituent engagement, elevates the University's public profile, and advances a multi-year comprehensive campaign. The Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor to the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team while building meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, churches, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
*** NOTE: Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at
<[email hidden]>
. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references. Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will not be contacted until later in the search process.***
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Advancement Leadership
Provide vision, leadership, and accountability for a comprehensive advancement program aligned with the University's mission, values, and strategic plan
Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and strategic advisor regarding philanthropy, constituent engagement, communications, and external relations
Develop annual and long-range advancement plans, goals, budgets, and performance metrics
Foster a culture of philanthropy across the institution and engage faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends in advancing the University's mission
Ensure advancement programs reflect and support the University's Christian identity and commitment to faith-centered education
Develops and administers the budget for the University Advancement Department
Comprehensive Campaign Leadership
Provide executive leadership for a multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaign
Partner with the President, campaign leadership volunteers, and Board members to secure transformational philanthropic investments
Develop campaign strategies, goals, volunteer structures, prospect pipelines, and stewardship initiatives
Monitor campaign progress and provide regular reports to institutional leadership and governing boards
Lead campaign planning, implementation, and successful completion while building sustainable fundraising capacity for the future
Major and Principal Giving
Provide strategic oversight for major and planned giving programs
Maintain a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward significant philanthropic commitments in support of institutional priorities
Partner with the President and key volunteers in developing and executing donor strategies
Ensure robust systems for prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Expand support from individuals, churches, foundations, and corporate partners
Annual Giving Leadership
Provide strategic oversight for all annual giving programs
Develop integrated, multi-channel strategies to increase donor participation, retention, and annual philanthropic support
Strengthen leadership annual giving, alumni giving, parent giving, faculty/staff giving, and digital engagement initiatives
Establish measurable goals and metrics that grow the University's donor pipeline and future major gift prospects
University Relations and Communications
Provide strategic oversight for University Relations efforts, including alumni engagement, public relations, marketing communications, and constituent outreach
Strengthen relationships with alumni, churches, community leaders, and strategic partners
Ensure effective communication of the University's mission, achievements, and impact to key audiences
Collaborate with institutional leaders to enhance the University's visibility, reputation, and brand
Advancement Services and Operations
Provide oversight for advancement services, including:
Advancement technology and CRM management
Prospect research and prospect management
Gift processing and reporting
Advancement data integrity and analytics
Donor stewardship and recognition programs
Campaign and fundraising reporting systems
Ensure the advancement enterprise operates efficiently, with strong policies, procedures, and performance measures in cooperation with the Chief Information Officer of Information Technology
Utilize data and analytics to inform strategic decision-making and fundraising effectiveness
Board and Volunteer Engagement
Partner with the President and Board of Trustees to advance philanthropic priorities
Support advancement-related Board committees and volunteer leadership structures
Recruit, train, and engage volunteers who can support fundraising, campaign leadership, and constituent engagement efforts
Team Leadership
Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and professional development for advancement staff
Build and maintain a highly collaborative, mission-driven, and results-oriented advancement team
Establish clear expectations, accountability measures, and professional growth opportunities
Supervisory Responsibilities Supervisory responsibility over staff hires (makes hiring decisions), oversees staff work (directs work activities), and evaluates staff work (completes performance reviews/addresses performance concerns)

Qualifications:

According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
Education
Required
Demonstrated a vital Christian faith and commitment to advancing the mission of Christian higher education
According to Indiana Wesleyan University’s employment policy, all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement
Significant progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement, philanthropy, fundraising, or related fields
Proven success securing major and principal gifts
Experience leading comprehensive fundraising initiatives and campaigns
Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and leadership skills
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree or advanced professional credential and at least seven years of progressive and successful leadership and advancement experience
Experience in Christian higher education or faith-based nonprofit organizations
Experience leading a comprehensive or capital campaign with multi-million-dollar fundraising goals
Knowledge of advancement services, donor databases, prospect management systems, and fundraising analytics
Experience
Desired Leadership Characteristics
The successful candidate will demonstrate
:
Spiritual maturity with a deep personal commitment to Christian faith and values
Strategic thinking and visionary leadership
High integrity, humility, and servant leadership
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to inspire generosity and engage diverse constituencies
Collaborative leadership style with strong organizational and management skills
Passion for the mission of Christian higher education and student transformation
Required Skills
A worldview that is in harmony with the mission and goals of Indiana Wesleyan University and an affirmation, without reservation, of the University's doctrinal statement
A commitment to Christian higher education
The candidate must possess exceptional verbal and writing skills and be capable of communicating persuasively with leaders and constituents at all levels
The ideal candidate must possess a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The candidate must effectively embrace and articulate the mission of Indiana Wesleyan University and be in harmony with the doctrines and practices of The Wesleyan Church
A collaborative leadership style is expected to effectively work with key University leaders and stakeholders to foster healthy long-term relationships with the University’s many constituents
IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Advertised:
06 Aug 2026
US Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
27 Sep 2026
US Eastern Daylight Time