Vice President for Institutional Advancement

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for all advancement functions at , including fundraising, alumni engagement, donor relations, grants development, corporate and foundation partnerships, community relations, and special events. Serving as the College's chief advancement officer, this position advances the mission of Morris College as a historically Black liberal arts institution rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service. The Vice President will work closely with the President, Board of Trustees, alumni, church partners, community leaders, and philanthropic organizations to secure transformational resources that support student success, institutional sustainability, scholarship growth, workforce readiness initiatives, campus improvements, and the long-term strategic vision of the College. Duties and Responsibilities Provides strategic leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive institutional advancement program that supports the mission and priorities of Morris College. Develops and executes a results-driven fundraising strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, grants, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship. Cultivates, solicits, and strengthens relationships with alumni, churches, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and friends of the College. Serves as the College's lead fundraiser and works collaboratively with the President to secure philanthropic investments. Expands scholarship support and fundraising initiatives that increase student access, retention, persistence, and graduation. Provides leadership for alumni engagement initiatives that strengthen alumni participation, communication, mentorship, and financial support. Develops and implements a sustainable grants program aligned with institutional priorities, workforce development, student success, and academic innovation. Builds strategic partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations that support Morris College's mission and enhance opportunities for students and the surrounding community. Coordinates all fundraising events and advancement activities, including presidential events, donor recognition programs, and institutional celebrations. Collaborates with academic, and athletic leadership to align advancement efforts with the College's strategic plan and institutional goals. Provides regular reports and fundraising updates to the President and Board of Trustees regarding campaign progress, donor engagement, and advancement outcomes. Represents Morris College at community, civic, church, alumni, and professional events to strengthen institutional visibility and external relations. Supervises advancement staff and fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Performs other duties as assigned by the President. Qualifications Master's degree required; doctorate preferred. Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in higher education advancement, fundraising, nonprofit leadership, or related fields. Demonstrated success in major gift cultivation, donor stewardship, grant development, and comprehensive fundraising campaigns. An understanding of the mission, history, and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Excellent interpersonal, communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills. Proven ability to engage effectively with alumni, faith communities, donors, corporate leaders, foundations, elected officials, and community stakeholders. Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement innovative advancement initiatives that produce measurable outcomes. Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, trustees, and external partners. A personal commitment to the mission, values, and educational philosophy of Morris College. About Morris College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college founded in 1908 and affiliated with the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. Morris College is committed to developing students intellectually, spiritually, and socially while preparing graduates for leadership, service, and meaningful careers in a global society.