Chief Advancement Officer

Champlain College; New Jersey; On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement matching

Tuition benefits

Wellness programs

EAP

Job summary

Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, seeks a Vice President of Advancement to lead strategy and operations for fundraising and philanthropy. Reporting to the President, this role directs major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship.

The VP will build a high-impact program, lead four direct reports across staff, and partner with senior leaders to translate initiatives into philanthropic results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, institutional advancement or adjacent fields, with demonstrated success in personally securing major gifts.
• Strong budget management skills with experience overseeing advancement operations and gift processing.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Experience with advancement CRM systems and data-driven approaches to fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy encompassing major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and campaign initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.
• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating and soliciting donors at the highest levels.
• Set fundraising goals, track performance metrics, and report outcomes to the President and Board of Trustees.
• Identify and support proposal development of corporate and foundation funding opportunities through donor access and stakeholder coordination.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, prospective donors, Board members, and community partners.
• Develop and oversee donor stewardship programs that recognize giving and sustain long-term engagement.
• Lead alumni relations efforts that strengthen connections to the college and create pathways to giving, volunteerism, and advocacy.
• Plan and execute cultivation events, donor recognition programs, and advancement-related communications.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the college, representing Champlain's mission, values, and impact to external audiences.
• Partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on strategic initiatives that advance the college's philanthropic position.
• Collaborate across the institution - including Enrollment, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs - to align advancement priorities with institutional goals.
• Engage with community leaders, local and regional employers, and civic organizations to strengthen Champlain's profile and expand its network of supporters and partners.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the advancement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Oversee the advancement budget and ensure responsible financial management of all philanthropic funds and gift processing operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements governing charitable giving and foundation activities.
• Leverage data, analytics, and advancement technology to inform strategy and improve fundraising outcomes.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Leadership

Budget management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, seeks a Vice President of Advancement to lead strategy and operations for fundraising and philanthropy. Reporting to the President, this role directs major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship.

The VP will build a high-impact program, lead four direct reports across staff, and partner with senior leaders to translate initiatives into philanthropic results.