Vice President, University Advancement

ABOUT VOORHEES UNIVERSITY

In celebration of its 125th year of existence on April 7, 2022, Voorhees College was renamed Voorhees University to honor founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wight. Voorhees University is a private, diverse, historically black, coeducational, liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Located in rural Denmark, South Carolina, the University serves traditional and nontraditional students primarily from South Carolina and the southeastern region of the United States; however, seeks to expand our reach both nationally and internationally. The University offers each student a comprehensive general education experience coupled with professional education in the values-centered liberal arts environment that supports educational opportunities designed to help prepare students to function in a diverse and increasingly technological society. Accordingly, the University seeks to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of life-long learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God.

PRESIDENTIAL CHARGE AND SCOPE OF APPOINTMENT

In accordance with the University's mission, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, 10th President of Voorhees University has issued the charge and call to action articulated through the University 's mantra, The Next Level of Excellence found in the University's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan: A.T.L.A.S. to the Next Level of Excellence. After a comprehensive examination, the President, Board of Trustees, and Executive Cabinet have identified three areas that require critical restructure and transformation: Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement. Through the development of Transformation and Restructuring for the Next Level of Excellence, the University seeks to transform the trajectory of its fundraising and friend raising capacity. As such, the vision and plan include major restructuring of the current University Advancement model with the advent of the Vice President for University Advancement and the Special Assistant to the President for Philanthropy and Giving leading the critical restructure and transformation for the University.

GENERAL IMPACT SUMMARY OF RESTRUCTURING OF THE DIVISION

The new construct of the Division of University Advancement will result in the helm of the Division being lead by the Vice President of University Advancement and specialized support provided to the President through the Special Assistant to the President for Philanthropy and Giving and the Special Assistant to the President for Becoming Beloved Community and Governmental Relations. The overall goal or transformation will be realized through the critical impact of: (1) Division Redesign, (2) Strengthening effective communications between Division & constituents, (3) Maximizing overall Fundraising Capacity, (4) Maximizing Foundation Support, (5) Developing Corporate Sponsorship Program for all special events, (6) Maximizing Alumni Giving, (7) Strengthening Campaign Programs, (8) Developing the University's Capital Campaign, (9) Strengthening the University's branding and social media, (10) Developing a Comprehensive Culture of Giving, and (11) Strengthening President's Philanthropy Portfolio.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Vice President for the Division of University Advancement will serve as the chief advancement officer for the University and lead the University's efforts on collaborative efforts and systems on all matters pertaining to the management and operation of university development, student-led program engagement, alumni relations, capital campaign, as well as community and donor relations. Leading the effort to tell the Voorhees University story, the Division of University Advancement endeavors to enhance the institution's tradition of excellence in teaching, research and public service by generating transformative private support. The Division will operate based on the philosophy of Shared Advancement Services will maximize and employ our expertise in advancement to enhance the philanthropic success of our partnering and affiliated entities through immersive collaboration, targeted education, and expert consultation which leads to improving operational efficiency, building equity, and increasing the margin of excellence. The Shared Advancement Services model will provide critical transformation and crucial support to leverage the areas of prospect research and management, CRM data and reporting services, gift planning services, and the University's Capital Campaign. Additionally, the Division will support vendor coordination, analytics, and professional development for the fundraising and alumni engagement programs of the University. The Vice President for University Advancement will develop the University's comprehensive systems of fundraising and friend raising that will demonstrate unwavering appreciation for more than 8000 alumni, organizations and friends whose support creates the margin of excellence for which our university's affiliated entities have become known.

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the Vice President for University Advancement will work closely with the Special Assistant to the President for Philanthropy and Giving and serves a critical role in providing leadership and direction for advancing the University's strategic goals through oversight and facilitation through the Office of the President's Central Administration. The Vice President for University Advancement will work to support and advance the mission of the University by forging strong and lasting relationships with and securing philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty, and staff as well as key foundation and industry partners. The Vice President of University Advancement serves as a key member of the President's Executive Cabinet and Senior Leadership Team and provides leadership and operational oversight to the Division of University Advancement, thus fulfilling the University's mission and goals. The assignment is fast paced, high functioning, and requires excellent multi-tasking skills within a highly team-based and collaborative environment.

PRESIDENTIAL PRIORITIES

The Vice President for the Division of University Advancement will provide explicit leadership for critical transformative directives and Presidential priorities as follows, and others as assigned to realize the critical advancement transformation required to advance the University to The Next Level of Excellence:

• The Vice President for the Division of University Advancement will serve on the President's Executive Cabinet/Senior Leadership Team and works collaboratively with Executive Cabinet colleagues to provide assistance, resources, and/or additional staff support for development and follow-up on all matters pertaining to the management and operation of university development, student-led program engagement, alumni relations, capital campaign, as well as community and donor relations.

• The Vice President for the Division of University Advancement will implement the University's Shared Advancement Services model.

• The Vice President for the Division of University Advancement will govern the University's Capital Campaign for The Next Level of Excellence.

• The Vice President for the Division of University Advancement will provide highly managed oversight and direction for the following: Executive Assistant to the Division of University Advancement, Office of University Communications and Marketing, Director of Development, Office of Community Relations, Office of Community Relations and Special Events, Media Production Management, Web and Broadcast Media Services, Office of Sponsored Research.

Importantly, the Vice President of the Division of University Advancement will have excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to work well with all members of a diverse university community. He or she will have experience working with senior executives, community partners, local, state, national and international constituencies.

Position: Vice President for University Advancement

Department/Division: University Advancement

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000

FLSA Classification: Salaried, Exempt

Type/Duration: Full Time/12 months

Position Schedule: 8:00 am

• 5:00 pm Monday

• Friday (Evenings and weekends required; Travel required)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

The Vice President for the Division of University Advancement has primary responsibility to include:

• Implement a Shared Advancement Services model at the University.

• Enhance the University's reputation for attracting and graduating outstanding students and for supporting them in their pursuit and attainment of academic excellence based on the assessment and continual beautification of the campus.

• Assist with the management and coordination of university-wide projects and initiatives, as assigned by the President.

• Provide unwavering leadership and supervision to all staffers and units within the Division of University Advancement.

• Develop processes for effective follow-up and impeccable communication within Division of University Advancement with all University constituents.

• Provide professional, timely, communication with Office of the President, Board of Trustees, Alumni, and the larger community.

• Evaluate on an ongoing basis, in collaboration with the President and his office staff, all University operations related to advancement efforts.

• Collaborate with Vice President for Business and Fiscal Affairs to determine spending levels and obtain all spending approvals.

• Advance the University Strategic Plan and Restructuring and Transformation Plan for the Next Level of Excellence.

• Develop student-led philanthropy efforts and foster Alumni pride and support.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• An earned terminal degree from an accredited institution preferred, master's degree considered.

• At least five years of experience in positions of leadership that include a focus on philanthropy and giving.

• Experience successfully supervising and managing personnel.

• A record of successful program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

• Demonstrated record of successfully planning and executing activities to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for students, faculty members, and staff members.

• Demonstrated commitment to shared governance.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support philanthropy and giving efforts.

• The incumbent must have a demonstrated interest and/or ability to work in a multicultural/multiethnic environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standard Office Environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exercised ability to manage complex academic organizations, work effectively and collegially with all members of the campus and community.

• Exhibit excellent communication skills, sound judgement and decisive leadership.

• Demonstrated history of strong leadership and successful implementation of complex initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience with budget management.

• Track record of successful grant raising and scholarship in higher education.

• Previous experience working in a liberal arts environment;

• Strong written and oral communication proficiency.

• Demonstrated leadership in education.

• Exceptional management competency.

• Leadership driven by Policy and Procedures.

• Internal and external relationship building.

• Must promote accountability and integrity in advancing an overall commitment to the University's core values with an additional familiarity, dedication, and loyalty to the institution's history and traditions steeped in the Episcopal Church.

• Exceptional customer service and professionalism.

• Great sense of humor.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit an employment application, cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position, resume, and relevant transcript to apply.