The University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA) seeks an accomplished and forward-thinking development leader to guide fundraising strategy and performance across the University of Iowa's Main Campus. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Development, the Vice President serves as the senior fundraising leader for Main Campus Development and chief development officer for the Office of the Provost. Through a team of senior fundraising leaders, the Vice President provides leadership and…
oversight for a large and complex development enterprise that includes principal gifts, regional major gifts, the University's creative campus, seven academic colleges, and a broad portfolio of university-wide priorities, strategic initiatives, and campus units.
The Vice President establishes strategic direction, advances fundraising performance, and drives philanthropic support for the university's highest priorities across Main Campus. The Vice President works in close partnership with the Vice President for Health Sciences Development, who leads fundraising for the university's health sciences colleges and University of Iowa Health Care, to align strategy and operations, advance shared institutional priorities, and promote a coordinated, enterprise-wide approach to philanthropy across UICA.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished fundraising leader with experience leading leaders, building high-performing teams, securing significant philanthropic investments, and navigating complex organizations. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic judgment, political acumen, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior university leaders to translate institutional priorities and strategic initiatives into philanthropic opportunities and fundraising success.
**This position is eligible for hybrid work (telecommuting), which includes working on-site at least 3 days a week at our office in Iowa City.**
**Required: Please submit a cover letter with application**
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic and Organizational Leadership
- Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all Main Campus fundraising programs, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and opportunities.
- Leads and develops a team of senior fundraising leaders, providing strategic guidance, coaching, and support in the development and execution of fundraising plans.
- Serves as chief development officer for the Office of the Provost and a trusted partner on matters related to engagement, philanthropy, and the advancement of university priorities.
- Contributes to UICA strategic planning and, in partnership with the Senior Vice President for Development and university leadership, to philanthropic strategies supporting university-wide priorities and strategic initiatives.
- Collaborates with Data Analytics and advancement partners to strengthen organizational fundraising capacity and inform strategic decision-making.
- Champions organizational change, continuous improvement, innovation, alignment, and shared accountability across multiple fundraising teams.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement
- Maintains a small portfolio of active principal and major gift prospects and is responsible for securing significant philanthropic investments in support of institutional priorities.
- Partners with senior fundraising colleagues and university leaders to develop strategies for high-capacity and transformational donors.
- Models the role of a trusted philanthropic advisor and helps donors align their passions and ambitions with university priorities.
- Engages and prepares university leaders, volunteers, and advancement colleagues for successful donor interactions and solicitations.
- Ensures thoughtful stewardship and donor-centered engagement opportunities that deepen donor relationships and inspire continued support.
- Conducts all fundraising activities in accordance with applicable laws, policies, ethical standards, and organizational expectations.
Operational Leadership
- Provides oversight for the operational, financial, budgetary, and reporting functions of Main Campus Development.
- Allocates resources strategically to support fundraising priorities and organizational priorities.
- Oversees the systems, processes, and performance frameworks that support team effectiveness and fundraising success.
- Evaluates outcomes and implements improvements that strengthen efficiency, effectiveness, and impact across the development enterprise.
- Makes business decisions that reflect UICA's mission, vision, culture, and values.
Talent and Team Leadership
- Leads, develops, and inspires a team of fundraising leaders and professionals across Main Campus Development.
- Fosters a culture of trust, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continuous growth.
- Supports leaders in establishing meaningful goals and performance expectations aligned with UICA and university priorities.
- Provides coaching, feedback, performance management, and development opportunities that strengthen leadership effectiveness and team performance.
- Partners with Talent Management to recruit, retain, develop, and reward exceptional talent.
- Creates an environment that reflects UICA's mission, vision, culture, and commitment to employee success.
Leadership Competencies and Personal Attributes
- Collaborative and enterprise-minded leader with the ability to create shared vision, align people and resources, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and advance complex institutional priorities and initiatives.
- Strategic communicator who articulates a clear vision, navigates difficult conversations effectively, and inspires confidence among diverse stakeholders.
- Proven leader of high-performing teams who develops talent, promotes accountability, and cultivates a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Adaptable and forward-thinking leader who embraces change, challenges conventional approaches when appropriate, and advances innovation while respecting institutional culture.
- Donor-centered leader who builds enduring relationships and consistently advances exceptional service and engagement experiences.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, political acumen, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions in complex and evolving environments.
- Executive presence, integrity, and professionalism that inspire trust and credibility with donors, volunteers, university leaders, and colleagues.
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience in higher education, including management experience, required. Demonstrated success leading complex fundraising operations, managing experienced development professionals, and partnering with senior academic and administrative leaders required. Advanced degree preferred.
**This position is eligible for hybrid work (telecommuting), which includes working on-site at least 3 days a week at our office in Iowa City.**
**Required: Please submit a cover letter with application**
