AVP, University Advancement: Strategy, Fundraising & Growth

The Rome Group

Missouri

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University is seeking an Associate Vice President, University Advancement in Cape Girardeau, MO. The role reports to the Vice President of Advancement and leads the daily operations of University Advancement, guiding fundraising, alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and supporting functions to meet institutional priorities.

The AVP will manage a portfolio of ~50 donors, drive strategy, develop staff, and prepare for a comprehensive campaign, balancing high‑level

Qualifications

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.

Responsibilities

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.
Establish clear performance expectations and measurable goals while fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment.
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.
Help lead the planning and organizational preparation for the Foundation’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign, including priorities, staffing plans, and performance measures.
Provide leadership for alumni relations, developing approaches that strengthen connections with SEMO’s nearly 90,000 alumni and engagement in philanthropy and opportunities.
Strengthen the use of fundraising metrics, donor pipeline management, and departmental performance indicators to inform decision‑making and improve results.