Chief Advancement Officer & Foundation Executive

Missouri Southern State University; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Southern State University seeks a visionary and seasoned leader to serve as Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Missouri Southern Foundation. You will direct fundraising, alumni relations, and external affairs, while ensuring diligent stewardship of private gifts and alignment with MSSU’s mission.

You will oversee staff across Development, Alumni and Donor Relations, and related units, reporting to the President and Foundation Board.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree and CFRE preferred.
• Minimum of five years in advancement/external relations or a related field.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts, including seven-figure gifts.
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Experience with advancement technology, donor databases and CRM systems.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and data-driven fundraising.
• Ability to handle confidential and proprietary information.
• Experience planning campaigns and collaborating with presidents and boards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive university advancement program including annual fund, major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, planned gifts, and campaigns.
• Review and approve campus fundraising activities to align with university priorities.
• Develop community and business relations strategies and represent the University externally.
• Serve on the President’s Cabinet and engage with campus and external events.
• Maintain major gift prospect portfolio and develop donor relationships with the President.
• Travel regionally and beyond to fulfill fundraising and related duties.
• Ensure the advancement database is maintained for alumni relations and fundraising.
• Oversee alumni relations and donor engagement programs.
• Provide executive oversight of Foundation finances, budgeting, reporting, investments, and audits.
• Oversee the Foundation’s investment program and spending policy evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with donor designations, IRS policies, and nonprofit laws.
• Develop future plans with the Foundation Board and align with MSSU goals.
• Collaborate with University and Foundation leadership on priorities and funding requests.
• Lead scholarship criteria development and donor documentation for new accounts.
• Provide leadership and professional development for staff in Alumni Relations and Foundation and Development.
• Manage staffing, performance, and compliance with organizational policies.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

CFRE certification

Tools

Donor databases

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Fundraising analytics

Job description

Missouri Southern State University seeks a visionary and seasoned leader to serve as Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Missouri Southern Foundation. You will direct fundraising, alumni relations, and external affairs, while ensuring diligent stewardship of private gifts and alignment with MSSU’s mission.

You will oversee staff across Development, Alumni and Donor Relations, and related units, reporting to the President and Foundation Board.