Vice President for University Advancement Position Available In Adair, Missouri

Vice President for University Advancement 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 100 E. Normal Ave, Kirksville, MO 63501 Posting Details Position Information Position Title Vice President for University Advancement Job Responsibilities Truman seeks a Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) who will thrive in a dynamic and changing environment, serve as a supportive and empowering leader who values team development, fosters a culture of collaboration, and inspires high performance within the advancement team. This is an opportunity for the right leader to realize expansive growth in the university’s fundraising initiatives and develop mission-aligned partnerships across the region. Reporting to the President, the VPUA serves as the chief advancement officer for the University and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. The VPUA advises the President on all matters pertaining to the management and operation of university development, alumni relations, and donor relations. The VPUA also works closely with the Truman State University Foundation Board of Directors to raise funds to benefit the University. Providing leadership for five direct reports and a total of 12 employees, the VPUA is responsible for the following administrative units and functions: Development, Engagement and Alumni Relations, Stewardship – Donor Relations and Special Events, Prospect Research, and Advancement Services. The VPUA will effectively lead, manage, mentor, develop, and evaluate the advancement staff. Specific responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to: Lead and facilitate the University’s achievement of its development goals by serving as the chief fundraising officer for the University; direct a development strategy which includes annual fund campaigns, leadership annual giving, comprehensive campaigns, special-need campaigns, and planned and deferred gifts. Develop and maintain a properly coordinated program of university development and advancement by organizing the various departments of University Advancement in a logical, nonduplicative, and efficient manner to meet the work requirements and goals of the division; prioritizing advancement staffing needs accordingly to ensure success. Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to the President on advancement/fundraising matters, both strategic and operational, in support of the mission, vision, and strategic plan for the University and its functional units. Effectively engage and communicate with the Truman Foundation Board for the purposes of accomplishing the University’s fundraising objectives. Guide departmental transformation/re-alignment to match current, future, and ever-changing needs. Engage in short- and long-range planning and goal setting for the department, including setting and realizing goals and objectives, performance metrics (fundraising and otherwise), allocating budget, and managing a personal portfolio. Lead the development, tactical planning, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy in close consultation with other units, including Academic Affairs, Career Services, Student Engagement, and Athletics. Set the standard for what it means to be a Truman State University advancement professional, including cultivating a culture that strengthens employee retention in the department and attracts top advancement talent to the University. Strengthen Truman’s relationship with alumni by creating and implementing initiatives that meaningfully engage graduates. Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with donors at all levels, ensuring they feel valued and connected to Truman, to include designing and overseeing stewardship programs that recognize and honor donor contributions and maintain high levels of donor satisfaction; develop, nurture, and maintain positive relationships with alumni and donors, including corporate and foundation relations. Collaborate closely with Marketing, Public Relations, and external vendors to guide the development of targeted marketing and communications strategies that promote Truman’s fundraising goals to ensure the messaging resonates with alumni, potential donors, and broader audiences, while aligning with Truman’s brand and values and enhancing the University’s image. Provide relevant professional insight and advice based on a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in fundraising. Strategically generate new ideas, set goals and objectives. Build consensus among campus constituents around cultivation and proposal strategies. Organize and develop a strategy for cultivating strong relationships between the President and key donors, facilitating the management of a portfolio of major gift prospects. Ensure all institutional advancement activities operate within budget, institutional and external regulatory policy, professional standards, and ethical practices. More information about the position can be found HERE . Required Qualifications The successful candidate should possess the following qualities, skills, and experience: Record of progressive achievement in fundraising or a related development context, including capital campaign and major gift solicitation, as well as donor, alumni, and stakeholder/community engagement. Knowledge of best practices in advancement; preference for an understanding of higher education advancement, and the relationship between fundraising, marketing, alumni relations, and public relations. Experience in strategic planning and evidence of sound management practices, in particular goal setting, supervision, budgeting, and evaluation. Strong leader with integrity; proven evidence of leadership abilities; commitment to a team-oriented work environment and the ability to lead a team in a focused direction. Commitment to, and ability to promote, the Truman mission and brand to stakeholders and friends. Ability to engender trust; relate to and communicate with all University constituents and stakeholders; excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking. Problem solving and decision-making ability; innovative and willing to take initiative. Highly organized professional with the ability to plan, execute, and multitask in order to meet deadlines, keep projects within budget, and accomplish objectives. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is strongly preferred. Preferred Qualifications Posting Detail Information Posting Number Open Date 06/17/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants To make a nomination, provide a referral, or for additional information, please use the contact information below. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration as review of submitted materials will begin immediately. The start date is negotiable within the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2025. To apply, please submit a resume and/or vita, and cover letter, to: trumanvpua@buffkinbaker.com Ken Carrick, Partner 980.296.5401 Janny DeLoache, Associate Partner 704-377-7828 Salary Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include a base salary and a competitive benefits package. Non Discrimination Statement Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu . Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu . Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (•). Documents Needed To Apply Required Documents Optional Documents