Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the Foundation

Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations and

Executive Director of the Foundation

 

Western Michigan University (WMU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the Foundation (VP/ED). The position will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the University's fundraising efforts, alumni engagement, and foundation enterprise. This role will be a critical face of the University, requiring strong leadership, skillful diplomacy, and substantial financial acumen to successfully fulfill the missions of WMU. The VP/ED reports directly to the President of the University and the Foundation Board of Directors. This position is a tremendous opportunity for a proven executive leader to join the team of President Edward Montgomery and bring their expertise and vision to advance student success, creative and scholarly discovery and the overall reputation of WMU.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

 

Lead the Office of Development and Alumni Relations and the WMU Foundation with responsibility for executing alumni engagement activities, promoting engagement of the office with faculty, students, and staff, and overseeing a comprehensive fundraising operation; manage corporate, foundation and major gifts; oversee planned giving, alumni relations, and annual giving; serve as Executive Director of the Western Michigan University Foundation and as liaison to other affiliated foundations; work closely with the President and the WMU Foundation Board of Directors to set and meet fundraising goals; serve as liaison with business and community groups and boards to advance the University’s fundraising goals; work with academic deans and other university leaders to build and maintain relationships with advisory boards, external groups, and individuals; participate in University wide corporate engagement strategies; embrace responsibility for expert stewardship, excellent recordkeeping standards, and best practices.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Possess strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively develop and manage a team; have expertise in overall areas of development and institutional advancement; execute donor cultivation skills and have the ability to build and maintain close relationships with various external constituencies; demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrate cultural sensitivity; be familiar with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) standards and guidelines.

 

Education and Experience

 

Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of progressive and successful development experience; a master’s degree is preferred. Experience leading an advancement unit at a higher education institution is preferred. Experience working with a foundation is preferred. Strong record of success in advancement and capital campaigns is required. Experience with budget preparation and management and in the overall areas of development and institutional advancement is required.

 

How to Apply

Applications and nominations are now being accepted. For best consideration, please submit application materials before September 24, 2018. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting Western Michigan University in this search. Initial screening of the applications and nominations will continue until an appointment is made. Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should submit a brief letter of nomination including contact information for the nominee. Application materials should include a letter addressing how your experiences match the position requirements, curriculum vitae or resume and five references. Submission of documents as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. Applicants applying to this position must also submit their online application to Western Michigan University via the Careers and Job Postings Website at https://www.wmich.edu/hr/jobs

Inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to:

Jan Greenwood, Partner

Ann Bailey, Senior Executive Search Consultant

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.

42 Business Centre Drive, Suite 206

Miramar Beach, Florida 32550

Phone: 850-650-2277 / Fax: 850-650-2272

Email: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com

Email: annbailey@greenwoodsearch.com

 

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

For more information on Western Michigan University, please visit http://www.wmich.edu/