Vice President of Advancement

At a pivotal time in its history, Keck Graduate Institute seeks a strategic, experienced, and innovative leader to become its next Vice President of Advancement (VPA) to develop and articulate an exciting vision for advancement to further distinguish the Institute. Applications, inquires, and nominations are invited.

One of the seven Claremont Colleges, KGI is the nation’s only institution of higher education focused on graduate-level, application-based scientific education, and research. KGI is embarking on an exhilarating journey into a new era of growth and innovation, poised to elevate the landscape of bioscience and healthcare education. On the cusp of a transformative phase, the new Vice President—in partnership with the new President and leaders across KGI—will build upon a solid foundation to propel the Institute to new heights through philanthropic support and engagement. The Vice President will lead the development and alumni relations efforts to new levels of sophistication and success in support of the Institute’s ambitious goals which include growing the support base, growing the endowment, strengthening infrastructure, and increasing alumni engagement.

This opportunity comes available at a historical moment as KGI welcomes its new President, on July 1, 2024. An inventive leader, Dr. Abousalem brings over 30 years of technical, business, and administrative management experience, leading world-class teams in higher education, industry, and the nonprofit sector.

Keck Graduate Institute is an esteemed member of the Claremont colleges consortium, consisting of five undergraduate colleges and two graduate schools. KGI was founded with a vision to train scientists and engineers to translate basic scientific discoveries into practical applications that will improve human health. KGI offers 12 degree programs and a number of certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, medicine, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaboration geared toward working professionals. The impact of a KGI education reverberates far beyond campus, as evidenced by an impressive network of over 2,400 alumni. These trailblazers are making waves at industry giants such as Amgen, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, CVS Health, Kaiser Permanente, Illumina, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, driving innovation and shaping the future of healthcare on a global scale.

The Vice President will serve as the chief advancement officer for the campus and partner with the President and other senior level leaders on all advancement matters. The Vice President will spearhead efforts to cultivate meaningful relationships, leveraging their passion and resources to advance the mission of KGI. Collaborating closely with campus leadership, this individual will champion a culture of philanthropy that empowers the community to effect positive change in the world. This is a highly visible role for an experienced, imaginative and entrepreneurial advancement executive capable of marshalling KGI’s full resources to build a robust culture of philanthropy. Specifically, the Vice President will develop and implement a vision for the Institute’s advancement program that aligns with and supports KGI’s ambitious academic goals. The new VPA will have a unique opportunity to contribute significantly during an extraordinary and pivotal moment for the institution’s transformation. With bold vision and strategic leadership, the Vice President will shape the future of KGI and drive advancement efforts to unprecedented levels of success.

This is an opportunity to make a societal impact through philanthropy and engagement. The successful candidate will be a part of something truly extraordinary —a community committed to providing the opportunity for the diverse students of California and the world to obtain a world-class graduate education. The Vice President will be a leader at the forefront of this transformative mission, leading with dynamism and drive to propel the institution to new era of excellence. Collaboration will be key as the Vice President works alongside colleagues across the Institute, drawing upon a proven track record to craft sophisticated and highly effective advancement strategy. The Vice President will utilize their skills and passion to foster growth and motivation within the advancement team, driving them towards the attainment of the Institute’s objectives. Superior ability to think strategically at the institutional, departmental, and individual prospect levels is critical. The ideal candidate will possess direct experience in a complex higher education setting that includes educational and research programs in science, health, and/or technology. Campaign leadership experience is preferred, and a commitment to and ability to advocate on behalf of KGI’s core values and mission is required.

WittKieffer is supporting KGI in this search. All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at www.wittkieffer.com. The search will remain open until an appointment is made.

Confidential applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search:

Suzanne Teer, Ashlee Winters Musser, and Randi Miller

KGI-VPA@wittkieffer.com

The salary range is $165,000 to $242,000, with the potential of a 10% incentive bonus based on fundraising goals.

KGI offers benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. In addition, upon completing the eligibility requirement of one full calendar year of employment with at least 1,000 hours worked within that calendar year, KGI will make a contribution equal to 12% of their base salary as provided in the TIAA/CREF retirement plan maintained by KGI. Retirement Plan (ARP). Information is available at www.services.claremont.edu.

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.