Chief Advancement & External Relations Officer

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Tazewell (VA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) seeks a dynamic Vice President for Advancement and External Relations to lead fundraising, communications, and external partnerships. The role advances student success and regional impact by growing philanthropic support and strengthening community and business ties.

Reporting to the President, you will oversee foundation relations, grant development, and major institutional events while guiding strategy, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement to

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Progressively responsible leadership with advancement or fundraising experience.
• Experience in communications, marketing, grant development, or public affairs.
• Proven success securing philanthropic support and external funding.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience leading staff, managing budgets, and using data to drive strategy.
• Ability to lead change and collaborate across diverse partners.
• Commitment to ethical leadership and student-centered decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for advancement, grants, marketing, and alumni engagement.
• Oversee fundraising strategy including major gifts, annual giving, and sponsorships.
• Coordinate grant development, proposal development, and compliance reporting.
• Represent the college to community leaders, employers, and external stakeholders.
• Develop relationships with local/state/federal officials and advocate for the college.
• Oversee integrated marketing, communications, and public relations strategies.
• Plan major events and ensure effective outcomes and engagement.
• Utilize data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform decisions.
• Advise the President and Cabinet on advancement, communications, and external affairs.
• Supervise personnel and foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Communications

Grant development

Community relations

Higher education administration

Data analytics

Change management

Budget management

Alumni engagement

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) seeks a dynamic Vice President for Advancement and External Relations to lead fundraising, communications, and external partnerships. The role advances student success and regional impact by growing philanthropic support and strengthening community and business ties.

Reporting to the President, you will oversee foundation relations, grant development, and major institutional events while guiding strategy, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement to