"Associate Vice President for Individual Giving"

Job Details

Job Category: Professional/Administrative

Position Title: Associate Vice President for Individual Giving

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Division: Office of Advancement

Department: Office of Advancement

Hiring Wage/Salary Range: $180,000 – $200,000

Professional Experience/ Qualifications: At least 10 years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in individual and campaign fundraising, ideally in higher education. Proven record of managing and mentoring fundraising teams to exceed ambitious goals. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and inspire across a wide range of stakeholders. Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a commitment to data-informed decision-making. Experience with advancement related CRMs is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge NXT is a plus.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required.

Offer Determination: When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Benefits: Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.

Department Statement: Colgate University, a highly selective liberal arts institution with a global reputation for academic excellence, seeks a strategic and experienced advancement leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) for Individual Giving. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the AVP plays a pivotal role in the university’s $1 billion Campaign for the Third Century, which has already secured over $725 million in gifts and commitments. The AVP oversees a spectrum of individual giving programs, including major and leadership gifts, prospect management and research, and athletic fundraising. The AVP will lead, coach, and inspire a talented team of four directors while partnering closely with university leadership and academic and administrative colleagues to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy. This is a highly visible leadership role within the Advancement Division, critical to sustaining Colgate’s momentum in raising more than $100 million annually in support of the university’s strategic priorities and long-term institutional ambitions.

Accountabilities: Key responsibilities include: Provide vision, direction, and oversight for Colgate’s individual giving program to advance campaign goals and long-term philanthropic growth. Serve as a key member of the Advancement leadership team and advisor to the Vice President on individual giving strategy. Lead integration and alignment across major gifts, leadership gifts, prospect management, and athletic fundraising. Supervise a dynamic team of fundraising professionals and provide mentorship, clear direction, and performance management. Promote a culture of high expectations, accountability, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Ensure team efforts are well-coordinated with annual giving, planned giving, alumni engagement, donor relations, and advancement operations. Develop and implement strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors with capacity for five- to seven-figure gifts. Personally manage a portfolio of prospects and donors. Oversee the preparation of tailored, compelling gift proposals and communications that reflect institutional priorities. Direct the prospect management and research team to build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects. Guide the use of data, analytics, and performance metrics to inform decisions and strengthen fundraising strategy and outcomes. Work closely with senior administrators, faculty, coaches, and campus partners to develop funding opportunities and donor engagement strategies. Collaborate with Colgate’s athletic department to advance philanthropic goals for varsity sports.

Requisition Number: 2025S071Posting

Temporary: No

Job Open Date: 08/28/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions Summary: All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. WittKieffer is assisting Colgate University in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Mercedes Chacón Vance and Jevon Walton at ColgateAVP-IG@wittkieffer.com.