Vice President For Advancement

Southwestern Adventist University; Keene (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwestern Adventist University, based in Keene, Texas, seeks a Vice President for Advancement to lead all fundraising and donor relations efforts on site. The role directs major gifts, annual giving, and donor cultivation, while supervising staff and coordinating with university leadership on strategic priorities.

The VP will represent SWAU at events, build strong stakeholder relationships, and uphold ethical fundraising practices aligned with the university's mission.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated philanthropic leadership with major gift fundraising

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and execute comprehensive advancement strategies.
• Supervise advancement team members.
• Oversee prospect research and donor cultivation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and academic units on priorities.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the President and Board.
• Represent the university at internal and external events.
• Foster relationships with donors and stakeholders; ensure ethical standards.

Skills

Philanthropic leadership

Alumni relations

Major gifts fundraising

Annual giving

Donor prospect research

Strategic planning

Staff supervision

Stakeholder engagement

Ethical fundraising

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Company Description

Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) is a Christian institution of higher education that has provided quality academic programs since 1893. The university offers a welcoming campus environment with supportive faculty and strong opportunities for student engagement in and out of the classroom. SWAU is recognized for its friendly community and emphasis on integrating faith, learning, and service. Located in Keene, Texas, the campus benefits from close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering access to diverse cultural, professional, and ministry opportunities. The university continues to grow its academic reach while maintaining a student-centered, values-driven mission.

Role Description

The Vice President for Advancement is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in Keene, TX, responsible for planning, directing, and executing comprehensive advancement strategies that support Southwestern Adventist University's mission and long-term growth. This position oversees fundraising initiatives, including major and planned giving programs, annual giving campaigns, and targeted philanthropic efforts to increase donor engagement and institutional support. The role manages alumni relations, guiding outreach, events, and communications that strengthen alumni connections and participation. Day-to-day responsibilities include supervising advancement team members, overseeing prospect research and donor cultivation, collaborating with senior leadership and academic units on strategic priorities, and preparing reports and presentations for the President and Board. The Vice President for Advancement also represents the university at internal and external events, fosters strong relationships with key stakeholders, and ensures compliance with relevant fundraising policies and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in philanthropic leadership, including Planned Giving and major gift fundraising, with a track record of meeting or exceeding development goals.
• Proficiency in Alumni Relations, including engagement strategies, events, and communication initiatives that build long-term relationships with graduates and friends of the institution.
• Experience managing Annual Giving programs and campaigns, with skills in donor segmentation, appeals, and stewardship to support sustainable institutional funding.
• Ability to lead and integrate Philanthropy and Prospect Research efforts, including identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing donor prospects and aligning them with institutional priorities.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including team building, staff supervision, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration with academic and administrative units.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling cases for support, deliver effective presentations, and engage diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices, with the ability to build trust-based relationships across varied communities.
• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree in a relevant field (such as nonprofit management, business, communications, or education) is preferred.