Vice President for Institutional Advancement

VUU is nourished by its African American and Christian heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. Its mission is to: 1) Provide a nurturing, intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning; 2) Empower students to develop strong moral values for success; and 3) Develop scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society.

Established in 1865, Virginia Union University gave newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education, for establishing a community, and for gaining economic, political, and social advancement. The University is the result of a merger among four historic institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial, and Storer College. Richmond Theological Seminary held its first classes at Lumpkin’s Jail, a former holding cell for runaway slaves. The Wayland Seminary was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in Washington, DC. Two years later Storer College was founded in West Virginia, and Hartshorn Memorial College opened its doors in 1883 as the first college for African American women in the country. After operating independently for three decades, these notable seminaries joined forces to form Virginia Union University in 1899. Hartshorn Memorial and Storer Colleges would eventually join this Union in 1932 and 1964, respectively.

Located in the heart of Virginia’s capital city, Virginia Union University, a Baptist affiliated private institution, is best known for its world-renowned graduate school of theology. It also offers a broad range of educational opportunities in the liberal arts, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and study abroad. VUU’s commitment to student success has included an emphasis on student engagement and retention, and close interaction between faculty and students, both of which produce a synergy among scholarship, teaching, and learning.

At Virginia Union University®, we consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge groundbreaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum. We welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences. We require the following core values.

Spiritual Formation , as a faith-based University, we welcome the regular practice of prayer, worship, silence, and mediation that matures one’s relationships, values, and life purpose that lead to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation.

Integrity, we value our commitment to fairness, honesty, and truth reflected in each person’s words and deeds while holding ourselves accountable for our personal and words and actions.

Diversity & Inclusion , as one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs, we value diversity in thought, perspective, and embodiment, trusting that we are stronger when various voices, traditions, and experiences are present. We value inclusivity and promote a safe with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Excellence, we provide the highest quality of experiences and interactions while remaining flexible, responsive, and open-minded in developing and delivering programs, services, and facilities committed to exceeding the standards of what it means to be Best-In-Class.

Position Summary

Fundraising for the University is directly governed by the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer (EVP/COO), consistent with the University’s Mission and oversight by the Board of Trustees, with certain delegated authorities administered by the Division of Institutional Advancement. The purpose of Institutional Advancement is to exercise the fundraising authorities delegated to it by the President in a manner that advances institutional priorities and goals while also strengthening beneficial relationships among constituencies. The Vice President for Institutional Advancement reports to the EVP/COO of the University. This person is responsible for planning and directing the University’s overall Institutional Advancement programs. The Vice President will work with the President, University officers, deans, and members of the board of trustees to establish, maintain, and expand a collaborative university-wide institutional advancement effort.

Duties And Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, stewards, and tracks major gifts (i.e., $10,000+) from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundation prospects/donors.
• Responsible for oversight of foundation and corporate grant proposals for major gifts (i.e., $10,000+).
• Supervises the team with their cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of foundations, government agencies, and individuals.
• Oversees the development and implementation of the UNCF Challenge Grant Campaign.
  
  

Planning, Management, and Technical Assistance

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Institutional Advancement, including supervision of key administrative unit heads and the overall operational budget.
• Oversees the preparation and implementation of long-range strategic plans, annual plans, and unit management/professional development plans for all key units in the office of Institutional Advancements.
• In collaboration with Institutional Advancement directors, key University administrators, and the development Committee of the Board, develops and recommends for presidential approval fundraising policies, operational procedures, budgets, goals and implementation.
• Strategies/timetables for the University’s fundraising operations, campaigns, and recognition events.
• Oversees development and implementation of donor stewardship programs.
• Oversees the development of the major gifts prospect portfolio and the implementation of programs and strategies to cultivate, track and solicit major gifts of $10,000+ from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, parents, and other constituents of the University.
  
  

Education/training

Five or more years of fundraising experience in the field of higher education. Master’s degree preferred in related field.

Required to have at least ten years of successful fundraising experience, including successful campaign, major gifts, and project management records. Must have excellent organizational skills, as well as oral and written communications skills. Administrative and supervisory experience is essential. Familiarity with prospect research and gift management software and services preferred. (Frequent Travel Required)

Position Qualifications

• Accountability – Accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy – Perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Detail Oriented – Pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Organized – Possessing the trait of following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Reliability – The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Time Management – Ability to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete assigned tasks in stressful situations.
  
  

Skills & Abilities

• Three to seven years related experience.
• MS Office, outlook, word and excel applications, PowerPoint required.
• Frequent travel is required.
  
  

Salary : Commensurate with experience.

Applications Deadline

Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu

The selected applicant may be required to submit to a background investigation. VUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color,