Vice President of Development, Main Campus Job Category:
Exec Requisition Number:
VICEP001820
Posting Details Posted:
September 23, 2026
Full-Time Hybrid Location:
Iowa City, IA 52245,USA Job Details Description The University of IowaCenter for Advancement (UICA) seeks an accomplished and forward-thinking development leader to guide fundraising strategy and performanceacross the University of Iowa's Main Campus. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Development, the Vice President serves as the seniorfundraising leader for Main Campus Development and chief development officer for the Office of the Provost. Through a team of seniorfundraising leaders, the Vice President provides leadership and oversight for a large and complex development enterprise that includesprincipal gifts, regional major gifts, the University's creative campus, seven academic colleges, and a broad portfolio of university-widepriorities, strategic initiatives, and campus units. The Vice President establishes strategic direction, advances fundraisingperformance, and drives philanthropic support for the university's highest priorities across Main Campus. The Vice President works in closepartnership with the Vice President for Health Sciences Development, who leads fundraising for the university's health sciences colleges andUniversity of Iowa Health Care, to align strategy and operations, advance shared institutional priorities, and promote a coordinated,enterprise-wide approach to philanthropy across UICA. The successful candidate will be an accomplished fundraising leader withexperience leading leaders, building high-performing teams, securing significant philanthropic investments, and navigating complexorganizations. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic judgment, political acumen, and ademonstrated ability to collaborate with senior university leaders to translate institutional priorities and strategic initiatives intophilanthropic opportunities and fundraising success.
- This position is eligible for hybrid work (telecommuting), whichincludes working on-site at least 3 days a week at our office in Iowa City.
Required:
Please submit a coverletter with application
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RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic and Organizational Leadership Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all Main Campus fundraising programs, ensuring alignment with institutional prioritiesand opportunities. Leads and develops a team of senior fundraising leaders, providing strategic guidance, coaching, and support inthe development and execution of fundraising plans. Serves as chief development officer for the Office of the Provost and a trustedpartner on matters related to engagement, philanthropy, and the advancement of university priorities. Contributes to UICA strategicplanning and, in partnership with the Senior Vice President for Development and university leadership, to philanthropic strategiessupporting university-wide priorities and strategic initiatives. Collaborates with Data Analytics and advancement partners tostrengthen organizational fundraising capacity and inform strategic decision-making. Champions organizational change, continuousimprovement, innovation, alignment, and shared accountability across multiple fundraising teams. Fundraising and DonorEngagement Maintains a small portfolio of active principal and major gift prospects and is responsible for securing significantphilanthropic investments in support of institutional priorities. Partners with senior fundraising colleagues and university leadersto develop strategies for high-capacity and transformational donors. Models the role of a trusted philanthropic advisor and helpsdonors align their passions and ambitions with university priorities. Engages and prepares university leaders, volunteers, andadvancement colleagues for successful donor interactions and solicitations. Ensures thoughtful stewardship anddonor-centered engagement opportunities that deepen donor relationships and inspire continued support. Conducts all fundraisingactivities in accordance with applicable laws, policies, ethical standards, and organizational expectations. OperationalLeadership Provides oversight for the operational, financial, budgetary, and reporting functions of Main CampusDevelopment. Allocates resources strategically to support fundraising priorities and organizational priorities. Oversees thesystems, processes, and performance frameworks that support team effectiveness and fundraising success. Evaluates outcomes andimplements improvements that strengthen efficiency, effectiveness, and impact across the development enterprise. Makes businessdecisions that reflect UICA's mission, vision, culture, and values. Talent and Team Leadership Leads, develops,and inspires a team of fundraising leaders and professionals across Main Campus Development. Fosters a culture of trust,transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continuous growth. Supports leaders in establishing meaningful goals andperformance expectations aligned with UICA and university priorities. Provides coaching, feedback, performance management, anddevelopment opportunities that strengthen leadership effectiveness and team performance. Partners with Talent Management to recruit,retain, develop, and reward exceptional talent. Creates an environment that reflects UICA's mission, vision, culture, and commitmentto employee success. Leadership Competencies and Personal Attributes Collaborative and enterprise-minded leaderwith the ability to create shared vision, align people and resources, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and advance complexinstitutional priorities and initiatives. Strategic communicator who articulates a clear vision, navigates difficult conversationseffectively, and inspires confidence among diverse stakeholders. Proven leader of high-performing teams who developstalent, promotes accountability, and cultivates a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous improvement. Adaptable andforward-thinking leader who embraces change, challenges conventional approaches when appropriate, and advances innovation while respectinginstitutional culture. Donor-centered leader who builds enduring relationships and consistently advances exceptional service andengagement experiences. Demonstrated sound judgment, political acumen, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions in complex andevolving environments. Executive presence, integrity, and professionalism that inspire trust and credibility with donors,volunteers, university leaders, and colleagues.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of progressivelyresponsible fundraising experience in higher education, including management experience, required. Demonstrated success leading complexfundraising operations, managing experienced development professionals, and partnering with senior academic and administrative leadersrequired. Advanced degree preferred.
- This position is eligible for hybrid work (telecommuting), which includes working on-siteat least 3 days a week at our office in Iowa City.
Required:
Please submit a cover letter with application- Qualifications Education Required Bachelor's or better in anymajor.
Licenses & Certifications Required Driver's License EqualOpportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. Forfurther information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from theDepartment of Labor.