Chief Advancement & External Relations Officer

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Cedar Bluff (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Virginia Retirement System benefits

Paid leave accommodations

Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College seeks a visionary Vice President for Advancement and External Relations to lead fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and foundation partnerships. You will steward major gifts, grants, and external alliances to advance student success and community impact.

Reporting to the President, you will shape the strategy, supervise the Foundation Executive Director, and align external relations with the college’s priorities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement/fundraising.
• Proven success securing philanthropic support and grants.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; ambassador for institution.
• Experience leading staff and managing budgets.
• Ability to use data/analytics to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
• Ability to lead change and build consensus across constituencies.
• Commitment to ethical leadership and the community college mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the College Foundation and ensure alignment with college priorities.
• Develop and implement an advancement and external relations strategy.
• Lead institutional fundraising including major gifts, annual giving, donor stewardship, sponsorships, and corporate/foundation relations.
• Oversee grant development, identification of funding opportunities, and grant compliance.
• Represent the college to community leaders, employers, foundations, and government partners.
• Coordinate relationships with local/state/federal officials and advocate for college priorities.
• Oversee integrated marketing, communications, and public relations to enhance visibility.
• Oversee major events to advance college priorities and engagement with stakeholders.
• Use data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform decisions.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Grant development

Strategic communication

Data analytics

Budget management

Alumni relations

Public affairs

Education

Master's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Southwest Virginia Community College seeks a visionary Vice President for Advancement and External Relations to lead fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and foundation partnerships. You will steward major gifts, grants, and external alliances to advance student success and community impact.

Reporting to the President, you will shape the strategy, supervise the Foundation Executive Director, and align external relations with the college’s priorities.