"Collyer Vice President for Advancement"

Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, New York), one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges, seeks a successful and entrepreneurial Collyer Vice President for Advancement (VPA). Partnering with internal and external constituents, the ideal candidate will build on Skidmore's strong foundation in fundraising and alumni engagement by collaborating with College leadership, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, families, and friends to shape Skidmore's next chapter.

The VPA will lead Skidmore's next campaign — the largest in its history — to expand resources for financial aid and ensure that all students have access to the transformative experiences that define a Skidmore education; to support the College's outstanding faculty and innovative programs; and to enable and sustain the campus facilities necessary for an educational institution of global consequence. The new leader will bring a deep understanding of advancement best practices and a compelling vision for the future of the Advancement division, leading a talented and motivated staff across Advancement Operations, Alumni Engagement, College Events, Donor Engagement and Stewardship, and the annual Skidmore Fund and aligning its work with institutional priorities.

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior advancement professional with a record of achievement in fundraising, alumni engagement, and program and personnel leadership. Experience developing and managing a comprehensive campaign is required. The ideal leader will demonstrate a personal record of considerable success as a major/principal gift fundraiser, including as strategist and/or solicitor of seven- and eight-figure gifts.

The VPA will possess outstanding organizational, communication, and management skills and a demonstrated record of success leading a comprehensive advancement program of similar scope and complexity. At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience is required; experience with volunteer leadership and program development is strongly desired.

The VPA will champion the liberal arts and embody Skidmore's motto, Creative Thought Matters, reflecting the College's focus on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and inclusion. Prior experience in an environment similar to Skidmore is highly valued, though not required. A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

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 found at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Skidmore College 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 SkidmoreVPforAdvancement@wittkieffer.com.

Compensation and Benefit Information
Compensation range: $320,000 - $360,000

Benefits: Skidmore College provides a wide range of benefits for its employees. Information on benefits programs, including eligibility, is available at Skidmore Employee Benefits Summary.