Vice President of Development

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association seeks an experienced Vice President of Development to lead strategy and performance of the Development team. The role combines frontline fundraising with leadership, managing principal and major gift prospects and closing six- to seven-figure gifts.

Reporting to the President & CEO and serving on the Executive Team, the VP will shape program growth, staffing, budgeting and data-driven decision making from a national donor-engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with seven+ years of fundraising experience.
• Proven track record in major gift fundraising and leading teams.
• Ability to set strategy, drive performance and grow philanthropic program.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and performance of the Development team.
• Manage a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects.
• Solicit and close six- and seven-figure gifts and set team goals.
• Oversee department budget and data-driven metrics.

Skills

Fundraising

Major Gifts

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association

Vice President of Development

Bryant Group is proud to partner with the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association in the search for an experienced and results-driven Vice President of Development.

The Vice President of Development leads the strategy, performance and growth of the Foundation's Development team. This is both a frontline fundraising role and a leadership role: the successful candidate will manage a personal portfolio of principal and major gift prospects, personally solicit and close six- and seven-figure gifts and set the standard for a high-performing team. Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Team, the Vice President owns the Development team's structure, staffing and goals, the department budget and the data and metrics that drive strategy.

The ideal candidate brings a bachelor's degree and at least seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with a demonstrated record of major gift fundraising and leading teams. They have the ability to elevate to the executive table, with autonomy to shape program growth and direction. The position is based in Vermillion or Sioux Falls and includes regional and national travel to donors and alumni events.

About University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association

The USD Foundation & Alumni Association exists as one unified organization with a single mission: to strengthen the University of South Dakota by fostering lifelong connections and inspiring generosity that helps every Coyote create a lasting impact. Since 1922, the Foundation has partnered with alumni, donors and friends to raise transformative funds that enhance the student experience, improve campus facilities and expand scholarship opportunities, fueling USD's growth and strengthening its long-standing tradition of excellence.

About University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota is the state's oldest institution and its only comprehensive research university, which gives it a foundation few other schools in the region can match. It's the only university in South Dakota with a law school and a medical school, putting it at the center of the state's professional and health care talent pipeline. USD has also expanded well beyond its historic Vermillion roots, building a growing presence in Sioux Falls, the state's largest and fastest-growing city, which puts the University squarely in the path of where South Dakota's economy and population are headed. With NCAA Division I athletics, a genuinely close alumni community and a president who has led the institution through a sustained period of growth, USD is a university with real momentum, in addition to its history.

For more information, visit:

https://www.bryantgrp.com/current-listings/university-of-south-dakota-foundation-alumni-association-vp

Priority will be given to application materials received by September 18, 2026.