"VP Institutional Advancement / Westfield State University Foundation, Inc"

Campus Title:

Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Westfield State University Foundation, Inc.

State Job Title:

Vice President

Department:

Institutional Advancement

Job Code:

HA8000

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Funding:

7115-0100

Bargaining Unit:

NUP

Job Type:

Full-time Permanent

Timeframe:

52 Weeks

Shift:

Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm

Regular Days Off:

Saturday and Sunday

Supervision Received:

The Vice President reports directly to the President of the University

Supervision Exercised:

The Vice President supervises the Executive Director, Westfield State University Foundation, Executive Director, Research and Innovation, Director, Alumni Relations, Director, Corporate and Foundation Grants, and Director, Communications among other professionals within the division

General Statement of Duties:

The Vice President provides leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for the Institutional Advancement division, thereby ensuring strong support for the University's academic, programmatic, and scholarship initiatives while enhancing the University's regional reputation, nationwide alumni network, and international partnerships. The Vice President establishes objectives and formulates strategies encompassing alumni and donor relations, annual giving, corporate and foundation grants, communications and media relations, research and innovation, and the Westfield State Foundation. As the University's Chief Development Officer, the Vice President serves as the primary principal gift officer for the University and Foundation, including maintaining a small portfolio of high-capacity prospects. The Vice President is member of the President's Cabinet.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include but not limited to:

Essential:

• Refines and executes a comprehensive strategic plan and associated operational plans that complement the University's 2025 - 2029 Strategic Plan.
• Consults and effectively collaborates with the President, members of the President's Cabinet, and other senior leaders in guiding the strategic direction of the University and using analytics to drive decision-making.
• Leads and directs the University's philanthropic efforts including planned giving, capital campaigns, annual giving, and advancement services while communicating and reporting the associated impacts and outcomes to diverse stakeholders and media professionals.
• Serves as the primary principal gift officer for the University and Foundation, including maintaining a small portfolio of high-capacity prospects
• Shapes digital strategy across email, social media, and other channels to broaden reach and improve engagement.
• Provides strategic leadership to the Westfield State University Foundation including the oversight of the growth and management of Foundation financial assets. Oversee Foundation policies and processes based on best practices and Foundation bylaws.
• Develops strategies and approaches to diversify the base of support and increase the levels of giving across the following key metrics: donor retention, number of unique donors, average major gift, foundation prospects, and new corporate sponsors.
• Prepares an inclusive annual development plan including the means and practices to ensure that all donors receive appropriate, consistent recognition and accounting of the impact of their gifts.
• Enhances donor prospecting and stewardship for major gift solicitation to ensure a growing base of support for the University, including personally making requests for major gifts.
• Oversees all Foundation grants and grant applications in collaboration with the Office of Research & Innovation as well as the Office of Grants & Sponsored Programs.
• In collaboration with the President, identifies and recruits top-level volunteer leadership for the purpose of implementing the University's mission and vision.
• Leads the planning and execution of signature events and fundraising activities.
• Builds support and engagement among alumni.
• Provides effective training, support, and leadership to staff and volunteers to meet annual and long-term revenue goals.
• Systematically cultivates long-term, collaborative, strategic relationships with selected organizations while serving on various University committees and councils.
• Provides consultation to the Board of Trustees at the direction of the President.
• In partnership with the Cabinet, works with state and local legislators to contribute to sustain a positive public image and position the University for growth.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, master's degree preferred;
• Expert understanding of advancement with a notable record of achievement as a fundraiser, ideally within higher education;
• Substantial leadership experience in managing institutional development, including major gift solicitation, planned giving, events planning, and targeted drives for corporate and foundation grants, donations, and sponsorships;
• Proven experience personally soliciting and raising seven-figure gifts;
• Acumen for building a diverse network of supporters and stakeholders within and beyond the campus community;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain cohesive, high performing teams;
• Significant experience working with governing boards, elected officials and other community leaders, and volunteers;
• Proficiency with strategic planning and budget management; and
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders within a unionized, intercultural environment.