Associate VP, University Advancement & Strategy

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

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.