Vice President for Advancement

University of Mary Washington

Vice President for Advancement

Founded in 1908, the University of Mary Washington (UMW) has built a rich history of traditions and accomplished academic excellence. Named for the mother of the United States' founding father, the university has evolved from its beginnings as Fredericksburg’s State Normal and Industrial School for Women to one of the nation’s premier, selective public liberal arts and sciences universities today.

UMW is a small school with growing diversity and passionate teachers, located just an hour from Washington, DC to the north and Richmond, VA to the south. Under the leadership of President Troy Paino, UMW has increased its retention rate and recruited a more diverse and talented student body while simultaneously raising the school’s academic profile. In 2017, the University of Mary Washington was named one of the top producers of US Fulbright students, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, and students, faculty and alumni continue to achieve this recognition in record numbers. 

The Princeton Review has named Mary Washington among “The Best 382 Colleges,” Forbes has listed it as one of “America’s Top Colleges,” Fiske Guide to Colleges regards it as a “Best Buy School,” and U.S. News & World Report has named Mary Washington one of “America’s Best Colleges.”

The next Vice President for Advancement (VPA) will join UMW at a critical time. President Paino was appointed to his position in July 2016 and soon after initiated a strategic planning process that sought to continue and expand the tradition of UMW as a student-centered, public liberal arts institution that produces graduates who make an impact on the world. This UMW mission is needed now, more than ever, but the university faces increased competitive and environmental challenges both endemic to higher education and specific to UMW. The VPA will join a leadership team dedicated to UMW's mission and will be able to build a best practices advancement shop essential to the future of the campus.

To achieve this goal, the VPA will embody a number of qualities and qualifications. First and foremost, the VPA must possess a deep understanding of the unique nature of UMW, including the history and historical significance of the institution. The VPA must also have the ability to successfully articulate UMW's mission and generate excitement about the university among a diverse group of stakeholders. In addition, the ideal candidate should have a clear understanding of the nature and purpose of advancement in higher education and superior knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.

Outstanding candidates will also have a passion for liberal arts education as well as a strong appreciation for  academic excellence in a student-centric environment; strong management skills as well as the ability to lead, mentor and train staff to superior performance; the understanding of the needs of a multicultural environment and experience building an inclusive advancement organization; multifaceted experience cultivating, soliciting and closing six-figure and higher gifts; and experience in developing and leading capital campaigns. Excellent communication skills and experience in alumni relations are also critical to this role.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting UMW in this search. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received by April 1, 2022.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s canddate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Greg Duyck, Lauren Bruce-Stets and Suzanne Teer

UMWVPAdvancement@wittkieffer.com

The University of Mary Washington is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.