Vice President for Advancement

Lyon College is launching a national search for its next vice president for advancement (VPA). The VPA is Lyon’s chief development officer and is administratively responsible for all fundraising and related programs. The VPA will report to and partner with recently appointed Lyon President Joey King at an exciting time of refocused planning, reenergized philanthropy, and renewed institutional vitality. The VPA will be encouraged and supported by President King to assume a leadership role in increasing advancement efforts, assessing the need for program and organizational adjustments, and implementing projects of improvement.

The VPA’s leadership philosophy should reflect a practice of setting high standards, a style that combines collaboration and decisiveness, and an understanding of the variables that constitute an independent college’s philanthropic culture. He or she will be expected:

·       to provide overall leadership for a comprehensive advancement program;

·       to target future funding goals aggressively;

·       to initiate planning for a future capital campaign;

·       to manage and empower the advancement staff;

·       to support the Board of Trustees in their role in the advancement program; and

·       to nurture genuine relationships on and off the campus.

Lyon College is a selective undergraduate liberal arts college located in Batesville, AR (pop. 10,000) and in the foothills of the scenic Ozark Mountains. Undergraduates pursue 16 majors as well as several pre-professional programs. Ninety-nine percent of Lyon students receive financial aid and the College offers extensive merit scholarships, need-based aid, and athletic grants (NAIA).

The new VPA will possess deep integrity and should be energetic, collaborative, and proactive. While background in college development work is preferred and capital campaign experience is critical, the search committee is aware that there are many pathways in advancement for a successful appointment at Lyon.

Prior to making an application, prospective candidates are encouraged to review the VPA Search Profile at www.lyon.edu/vpa for more information about qualifications and the guidelines for applying. Candidates are requested to submit materials by Monday, May 7, for most favorable consideration.  All inquiries will be received in full confidence by Dr. Thomas B. Courtice, Search Consultant at tom.courtice@gmail.com.

Lyon is an Equal Opportunity Employer