Vice President of Advancement and CEO Foundation

Washington State University and the Washington State University Foundation stand on the cusp of an era of unprecedented success. Under the leadership of its new president, Kirk Schulz, the University is expanding its footprint both geographically across the state and programmatically through bold initiatives like the creation of a new medical school. In the environment of an economically booming state with an enviable corporate presence — think Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft and Costco, among others — and a compelling land-grant mission focused on the STEM disciplines, WSU is well poised for a robustly successful future.

The University seeks an experienced, talented and exceptional leader to play a key role in securing this future and to serve concurrently as vice president for advancement for the University and chief executive officer of the Foundation (VP/CEO).

In 2015, WSU and the WSU Foundation successfully completed a $1-billion comprehensive campaign, which set the table for an even more expansive campaign effort in the near future.  The VP/CEO will have the opportunity to plan and execute that effort from inception to success, working in concert with an experienced president, a highly motivated foundation board and a staff that is galvanized by their success to date. Still, there is much to be accomplished, including especially the need for inspirational strategic and operational plans, the continued effort to educate the University’s constituents about the importance of philanthropic support, a significant enhancement to the principal gifts program and highly accelerated efforts to engage with those successful and supportive corporate neighbors. Clearly, while much has been accomplished, much remains for the new leader to contribute to this outstanding institution.

To accomplish these many objectives, the VP/CEO must be an advancement professional of considerable skill and experience. The successful candidate will be an agent of change who demonstrates comprehensive campaign experience at the leadership level, a compelling track record as a principal gift fundraiser and 10 or more years of progressively successful leadership experience, preferably in an institution of similar or greater complexity. Preference will be given to candidates with familiarity with research universities, understanding of asset and endowment management, academic medical philanthropy experience, strong alumni relations bona fides, experience in a comprehensive advancement model and an understanding of how to motivate distributed workforces. Resonance with the University’s land-grant mission, superior communications and relationship-building skills, unimpeachable integrity and a bachelor’s degree are absolutely required (advanced degree preferred).

Seldom does an advancement professional receive the opportunity to make such a substantial, historical contribution to an institution at this level of attainment and prominence. Leaders with a passion for moving the needle at great institutions are encouraged to apply.

Additional information about WSU and the WSU Foundation is available at www.wsu.edu. Additional information about the position, including a leadership profile, can be found at www.wittkieffer.com. Review of applications, nominations and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. For full consideration, candidates should send a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge of and approval of candidates. Communication concerning this search may be sent to Dennis M. Barden and Suzanne Teer at WashingtonStateVPACEO@wittkieffer.com. The consultants can be reached by phone care of Laurie Adams at 630-575-6152.

Washinton State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. Members of ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply