Associate Vice President, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Wittenberg University is hiring for Assistant/Associate Vice President, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement (VPPAE), this position is a full-time, exempt level position. The Associate/Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (AVP) partners closely with the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (VPPAE) to provide senior leadership for Wittenberg's fundraising and alumni engagement programs. The AVP plays a central role in philanthropy and engagement strategy and division-wide management, with direct oversight of development teams spanning major gifts, planned giving, stewardship and donor relations, and prospect management. This position serves as a key member of the advancement leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered practice. The AVP will play a central role in preparing for and executing the University's next comprehensive campaign. Located on-site, in Springfield Ohio, this position is not a remote position. The AVP provides direct supervision to development team directors and program leads within the division, which includes staff responsible for major gifts, planned to give, stewardship and donor relations, and prospect management. Primary essential responsibilities and functions of the position include: Strategic Leadership and Campaign Readiness Partner with the VPPAE to develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated philanthropy and alumni engagement program aligned with Wittenberg's strategic priorities. Translate institutional priorities into actionable fundraising strategies grounded in donor analytics, industry best practices, and sound prospect management. Proactively advise the VPPAE on strategies to secure major and principal gifts in support of campaign and institutional priorities. Provide senior-level leadership in the planning, preparation, and execution of the University's next comprehensive campaign, including goal development, case refinement, and volunteer engagement strategy. Team Supervision and Development Provide direct supervision and strategic direction to philanthropy/development teams within the division, including major gifts, planned giving, stewardship and donor relations, and prospect management. Establish clear performance standards, goals, and accountability structures for fundraising staff; monitor progress against objectives regularly. Serve as a mentor, coach, and resource to staff on matters of prospect strategy, donor engagement, and professional growth. Contribute to a professional development framework that supports skill-building and staff retention across the advancement team. Major Gift Fundraising Maintain a personal portfolio of 75-100 select major gift prospects; conduct discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities to meet annual portfolio goals. Engage personally with donors and prospects to deepen their connection to Wittenberg and inspire meaningful philanthropic investment. Develop creative and persuasive solicitation strategies for complex gift opportunities, drawing on experience and current field knowledge. Prospect and Portfolio Management Implement best practices in prospect and portfolio management, including moves management, visit metrics, and pipeline development. Collaborate with prospect research to ensure portfolios are current and strategies are informed by accurate data. Develop and maintain systems for tracking and reporting on fundraising activity and results across the division. Donor Stewardship and Relations Partner with the Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations to design and deliver a stewardship program that recognizes donors meaningfully and sustains long-term relationships. Ensure that donor communications and reporting reflect the impact of philanthropic investment and reinforce donor confidence in Wittenberg. Alumni Engagement and Volunteer Leadership Work with the VPPAE to coordinate advancement engagement with the Board of Directors and key volunteer committees. Identify and cultivate alumni volunteers who can serve as advocates, connectors, and campaign leaders on behalf of the University. Support alumni engagement initiatives that deepen connection to Wittenberg and build a culture of participation and philanthropy. Administration and Cross-Divisional Collaboration Provide administrative oversight for the evaluation and continuous improvement of functions, operations, and programs within the division. Foster a collaborative and collegial divisional culture that reflects Wittenberg's values of equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Engage broadly with academic and administrative colleagues to ensure Advancement strategy is aligned with institutional priorities and emerging opportunities. Play a central role in promoting a collegial and inclusive work environment. Perform other relevant duties as assigned, including special projects, programs, and developmental activities.