Vice Chancellor for Advancement

University of Denver

Vice Chancellor for Advancement

The University of Denver invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice Chancellor for Advancement. Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is an independent, doctoral granting university with high research activity. The University has become increasingly known nationally and internationally for its creative, 21st-century approaches to problem-based scholarship, a holistic, student-centered approach to learning, and a dedication to the public good through local, national and international partnerships. It plays an integral role in the cultural, social, economic and educational life of the vibrant and fast-growing city and region it calls home. The University enrolls about 12,000 students from all regions of the United States and 83 foreign countries in its distinguished undergraduate liberal arts and sciences, graduate and professional programs.

Reporting directly to Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, s/he is responsible for developing and strategically growing the advancement organization, including recruiting and retaining exceptional advancement staff in an organizational structure that will enable the University’s aspirations. An accomplished and experienced fundraiser, the Vice Chancellor will build strong, sincere, and lasting relationships with the University’s many external constituents and will partner closely with the Chancellor, deans and university leadership as they garner resources to support University priorities and plan and implement its next campaign.

DU Advancement’s current annual operating budget is approximately $17 million, and the team consists of 147 full-time employees. This year has been a historic one for gifts and engagement from the broader DU community. In 2019, as of July, $86,565,591—an increase of nearly $10 million from 2018—was received from more than 21,355 supporters. The Vice Chancellor leads a senior executive team that oversees three divisional units: Global Networks, University Development, and Advancement Operations. Always at the forefront of innovation, career and professional development also sits within Advancement to maintain strong relationships with students and alumni across the course of their professional lives. There are more than 144,500 active alumni worldwide, including almost 79,000 graduate and 59,000 undergraduate alumni.

The Vice Chancellor will be an experienced, effective, visionary, and strategic leader who has demonstrated the capability to take the University of Denver’s advancement program to the next level. S/he will be a transparent leader who can inspire and empower the advancement team, as well as establish collaborative working relationships with the Chancellor and other key constituencies of the institution. The ideal candidate has substantial formal leadership experience within a significant comprehensive fundraising campaign with a broad range of stakeholders, objectives, and support systems/structures. S/he will have excellent relationship-building and cultivation skills, extensive demonstrated experience soliciting and closing principal level gifts from a variety of constituencies and the capacity to support the Chancellor and other University and volunteer leadership in this work. The Vice Chancellor will be a person who can work constructively through conflict and who can bring joy and levity to this very important field. An advanced degree is preferred.

Information for Candidates

Please send all nominations, inquiries and expressions of interest, in confidence and electronically, to:

Susan VanGilder, Partner

Holly Jackson, Senior Associate

DUVCAdvancement@storbecksearch.com

The University of Denver is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages applications from women, minorities, members of the LBGT community, people with disabilities and veterans. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.