Vice President for Advancement

Vice President for Advancement

Central Michigan University (CMU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Advancement (VPA). The VPA will be responsible for providing strategic senior leadership in the design and implementation of a comprehensive capital campaign and other institutional advancement programs, including alumni relations initiatives. As a member of the executive team, the VPA will report to the President and will work closely with other academic and administrative leadership to strengthen and significantly increase fundraising efforts that play a key role in advancing the mission and vision of CMU. The advancement function includes responsibility for capital campaigns, annual funds, corporate and foundation relations, major/principal gifts and gift planning, endowments, development operations, stewardship and alumni relations efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities: The VPA provides strategic senior leadership in the design, implementation and organization of a comprehensive capital campaign and other institutional advancement programs, including alumni relations initiatives; serves as a member of the university’s executive team and maintains a strong working relationship with other key senior leaders, Board of Trustees, alumni, parents and friends; creates and executes fundraising plans that utilize best practices in annual major and planned gift programs to meet fundraising goals; conducts a strategic assessment of existing philanthropic strengths and opportunities, and plans for long-term growth and success in regularly meeting development goals and expectations; leads an operation which values securing private funding in support of the university’s mission; implements the management and administrative infrastructure necessary to achieve development and alumni relations goals; leads an operation which values developing a strong major gifts program that also has aggressive and productive annual and planned giving components; maintains the proper integration of the development and alumni relations operations and develops plans for both units; provides oversight for all university fundraising programs and special campaigns; develops and oversees budgets for the division; acts as secretary with the CMU Advancement Board; serves as an ex-officio member on the CMU Alumni Board; works closely with deans and other academic leaders regarding fundraising activities; assists with leading fundraising efforts in various departments such as Athletics and Public Broadcasting; prepares reports and communications for CMU Advancement Fund Board of Directors; shares responsibility for attending alumni and community activities; serves as President of the CMU Foundation;  and accepts other duties as assigned by the President.

Required Qualifications include: a Bachelor's degree; five years of fundraising or development experience; demonstrated experience with a comprehensive capital campaign; leadership or managerial experience with increasing responsibility; ability to successfully lead, motivate and manage professional staff; ability to create fundraising strategies tied to the broader institutional vision and educational objectives; knowledge of strategies employed in all major development functions; proven record of fundraising success; demonstrated record of major gift cultivation; familiarity and/or experience with alumni relations programs; demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to promote collaboration and build positive relationships with others; excellent written and verbal communication skills; success as a team player who is highly motivated, a self-starter and a dedicated professional; and ability to work nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications include: a Master’s degree; working knowledge of the philanthropic community; and experience in fundraising for higher education.

Nomination and Application Process:  Applications and nominations are now being accepted. For best consideration, please submit application materials before July 8, 2019. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting Central 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.

Inquiries, nominations and application materials should be directed to:

Betty Asher, Vice President & Partner

Susanne Griffin, Vice President & Managing Director

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: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com

Email: susannegriffin@greenwoodsearch.com

Email: annbailey@greenwoodsearch.com

CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity within its community. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status or weight (see http://www.cmich.edu/ocrie).