"Vice President for University Advancement and Foundation Executive Director"

Job Details

VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT AND FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

For more information, please see the full profile at the link below:

https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/Florida-AM_VP-Advancement-2025-FINAL.pdf

Florida A&M University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Vice President for University Advancement and Foundation Executive Director. This executive position will play a crucial role in advancing the University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals through fundraising, alumni relations, and public engagement initiatives.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), located in Tallahassee, is the third oldest university in the State University System of Florida and is the state’s only public historically Black university. FAMU is an energetic and dynamic institution, acclaimed for the excellent achievement of its students, alumni, faculty, and its contribution to society in the pursuit of education and research. The university works every day to continue to propel itself to the forefront of innovation and scholarship. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates.

With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students, FAMU ranks among the nation’s Top 100 public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” ranking, landing at #81; #3 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU); #1 public HBCU; #20 for Social Mobility; and #152 among National Universities.

FAMU’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of discovery propels it forward as one of the nation’s best public universities. Across disciplines, FAMU’s world-class researchers seek answers to some of humanity’s most challenging problems, addressing issues that impact Florida, the nation and beyond. With $112.4M (FY24) in research awards, FAMU is on the precipice to achieve Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s highest and most coveted Very High Research Activity status (R1) in the next few years.

FAMU’s 14 colleges and schools, offering more than 60 undergraduate and 40 graduate degree programs, through its College of Agriculture and Food Sciences; College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Institute of Public Health; College of Education; College of Law; College of Science and Technology; College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities; FAMU-FSU College of Engineering; School of Allied Health Sciences; School of Architecture & Engineering Technology; School of Business and Industry; School of Graduate Studies and Research; School of Journalism & Graphic Communications; School of Nursing; and School of the Environment.

The University offers more than 100 student organizations and several fraternities and sororities. FAMU is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and fields 14 NCAA Division 1 athletic teams.

In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.

FAMU VISION

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University will be recognized as a leading national public university that is internationally renowned for its competitive graduates, transformative research, and innovation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Florida A&M University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Vice President of University Advancement and Foundation Executive Director. This executive position will play a crucial role in advancing the university’s mission, vision, and strategic goals through fundraising, alumni relations, and public engagement initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support FAMU’s academic programs, research initiatives, athletics, and student success.
• Lead major gift solicitations and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Oversee capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.

Alumni Relations:

• Strengthen relationships with FAMU alumni worldwide, fostering a culture of engagement and philanthropic support.
• Develop programs and events to keep alumni connected to the University.

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with the President and other senior leaders to align advancement efforts with the university’s strategic plan.
• Set ambitious yet achievable fundraising goals and metrics for success.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor the Advancement team, including development officers, alumni relations staff, and support personnel.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the department.

Public Relations and Communications:

• Serve as a key spokesperson for FAMU’s advancement initiatives.
• Oversee the development of marketing and communication strategies to support fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.

Financial Management:

• Manage the Advancement department’s budget effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations related to fundraising and financial management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in higher education advancement or a related field.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, including major gift solicitations and campaign management.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the unique mission and challenges of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

1. All application packet must include the following:
2. A letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position
3. Current résumé
4. At least four references with full contact information including e-mail (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)
5. A background and criminal report will be conducted on the finalists selected for campus interviews.
6. Submit application materials online, preferably as PDFs. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of application. Review of applications begins immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Nominations

Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Consultant

Brianna Douglas, Vice President Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is conducting this search. Request a conversation at briannadouglas@myersmcrae.com.