Associate Vice President - University Advancement

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University seeks an Associate Vice President, University Advancement to lead the daily operations of University Advancement, translate institutional priorities into actionable strategies, and guide a team toward measurable results.

The role manages a portfolio of ~50 donors, advances fundraising strategy, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship, and collaborates with the Vice President to prepare for the next comprehensive campaign.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Approximately 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, or a related field, including meaningful leadership and management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors, with the ability to manage an active portfolio while supporting broader institutional fundraising strategies.
• Experience supervising and developing professional staff, establishing performance expectations, and holding team members accountable for measurable outcomes.
• Knowledge of comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including campaign planning, donor strategy, prospect development, and organizational preparation.
• Strong organizational and operational management skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into practical plans and measurable results.
• Experience using fundraising technology, donor databases, performance metrics, and reporting systems to improve effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build productive relationships with donors, board members, academic leaders, colleagues, and other institutional stakeholders.
• A collaborative, confident, and adaptable leadership style, with the willingness to offer thoughtful recommendations, challenge existing practices constructively, and take ownership of implementation.
• A commitment to professional development, continuous improvement, and fostering a positive, accountable, and mission-focused organizational culture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of University Advancement and align resources with priorities.
• Lead a team of advancement professionals toward measurable results and accountability.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 donors and prospects for major gifts.
• Partner with the Vice President on significant philanthropic opportunities and campaign preparations.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies, donor engagement plans, and stewardship programs.
• Prepare for the Foundation’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign with priorities and staffing plans.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising leadership

Communication

Team development

Stakeholder engagement

Data-informed decision making

Project management

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Fundraising databases

Job description

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Associate Vice President, University Advancement will serve as a key member of the advancement leadership team and the principal operational partner to the Vice President. This individual will play an essential role in translating institutional priorities into actionable strategies, strengthening departmental operations, and leading a team of advancement professionals toward measurable results.

This Associate Vice President will oversee the daily operations of University Advancement, helping ensure that fundraising, alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and supporting functions work collaboratively toward shared goals. The successful candidate will bring the organizational discipline necessary to establish clear priorities, improve processes, develop staff, and create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Equally important, this individual will remain an active and effective fundraiser, managing a portfolio of approximately 50 donors and prospects while partnering with the Vice President on significant philanthropic opportunities and preparations for the University’s next comprehensive campaign.

This is an opportunity for a proven advancement leader who enjoys both strategy and execution. The ideal candidate will be comfortable moving between high-level institutional priorities and the practical details required to achieve them, bringing sound judgment, initiative, and a genuine commitment to the University’s mission.

Key Leadership Priorities

Strengthen Advancement Operations and Organizational Effectiveness

Provide day-to-day leadership for University Advancement, ensuring that departmental activities, resources, and personnel are effectively aligned with institutional and philanthropic priorities. Evaluate existing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement systems that support greater coordination, efficiency, and accountability.

Lead, Develop, and Empower a High-Performing Team

Establish clear performance expectations and measurable goals while fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment. Provide coaching, professional development, and constructive feedback to advancement personnel, building a culture in which employees understand their responsibilities, take ownership of results, and are encouraged to grow professionally.

Advance Fundraising Strategy and Donor Engagement

Maintain an active portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts that produce meaningful philanthropic commitments. Partner with the Vice President and other institutional leaders to identify new prospects, deepen existing relationships, and broaden the University’s philanthropic support beyond its traditional donor base.

Prepare for the Next Comprehensive Campaign

Help lead the planning and organizational preparation for the Foundation’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign. Support the development of campaign priorities, prospect strategies, staffing plans, and performance measures while ensuring the advancement operation has the infrastructure and capacity necessary to execute a successful campaign.

Expand Alumni Engagement and Philanthropic Participation

Provide leadership and strategic direction for alumni relations, developing approaches that strengthen connections with SEMO’s nearly 90,000 alumni. Encourage greater alumni involvement through philanthropy, student recruitment, internships, professional opportunities, and meaningful engagement with the University.

Build a Culture of Data-Informed Performance and Accountability

Strengthen the use of fundraising metrics, donor pipeline management, and departmental performance indicators to inform decision-making and improve results. Ensure that advancement professionals have clear goals, defined strategies, and consistent accountability for prospect development, relationship management, and fundraising outcomes.

Cultivate Strong Relationships Across the University

Develop trusted partnerships with University leadership, academic deans, faculty, staff, Foundation board members, and other stakeholders. Serve as an effective advocate for University Advancement, helping connect academic and institutional priorities with philanthropic opportunities while navigating the competing needs of a complex university environment.

• Bachelor's degree; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Approximately 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, or a related field, including meaningful leadership and management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors, with the ability to manage an active portfolio while supporting broader institutional fundraising strategies.
• Experience supervising and developing professional staff, establishing performance expectations, and holding team members accountable for measurable outcomes.
• Knowledge of comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including campaign planning, donor strategy, prospect development, and organizational preparation.
• Strong organizational and operational management skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into practical plans and measurable results.
• Experience using fundraising technology, donor databases, performance metrics, and reporting systems to improve effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build productive
• relationships with donors, board members, academic leaders, colleagues, and other institutional stakeholders.
• A collaborative, confident, and adaptable leadership style, with the willingness to offer thoughtful recommendations, challenge existing practices constructively, and take ownership of implementation.
• A commitment to professional development, continuous improvement, and fostering a positive, accountable, and mission-focused organizational culture.

Experience in higher education advancement is preferred, particularly within a university foundation or similarly complex fundraising environment. However, candidates from other mission-driven organizations who possess strong fundraising, leadership, and operational experience are encouraged to be considered.

Southeast Missouri State University has retained The Batten Group, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit, higher education, healthcare, and mission-based philanthropy to assist in the recruitment of its next Associate Vice President, University Advancement.

About Southeast Missouri State University

Founded in 1873, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a comprehensive public university located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. With a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, student success, and regional engagement, SEMO provides an educational experience that combines rigorous academics with hands-on learning, professional preparation, and meaningful connections to the communities it serves.

Today, the University serves approximately 9,000 students through a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its academic strengths span business, education, agriculture, cybersecurity, aviation, health-related disciplines, and the fine and performing arts. SEMO also competes at the NCAA Division I level, providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically and athletically.

SEMO Strategic Plan
SEMO Fast Facts

About Southeast Missouri State University Foundation

Established in 1983, the Southeast Missouri University Foundation serves as the University’s primary philanthropic partner, connecting alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and community leaders with opportunities to invest in the future of Southeast Missouri State University.

Historically, the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have centered on scholarships and financial support for students. Today, its philanthropic priorities continue to expand, encompassing academic innovation, faculty support, student experiences, athletics, facilities, and strategic initiatives that advance the University’s mission.

The Foundation has experienced substantial financial growth in recent years, with assets increasing from approximately $122 million to $188 million. This progress reflects the generosity of its supporters, stronger financial management practices, and an increasingly strategic approach to institutional advancement.