Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations

Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations

Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the President as a strategic advisor, the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations is the chief fundraiser and development officer who serves on the University’s executive leadership team (President’s Cabinet) and manages a broad team of development professionals to ensure development priorities to support and fund the institution's future ambitions. The team overseen by this vice president has two primary responsibilities: (1) to secure private philanthropic funds and other resources to advance the strategic plan of the university and (2) to build long-lasting relationships with alumni, community, and other key stakeholder constituents. This position partners closely with the President and also serves as a liaison with the University’s Board of Regents to raise, invest, budget, and steward private contributions. The work of this vice president includes, but is not limited to, responsibilities connected to University wide planning and budgeting; alumni relations; corporate and foundation partnerships; sponsored programs; community and church relations; special event planning; campus giving; and advisory boards. As a senior leader on campus, this vice president is expected to be visible and involved in a variety of campus events and activities and to advance a spirit of philanthropy and service internally and externally.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary duties and responsibilities of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations are as follows:

• Creates strategic plan to implement, manage, coordinate and evaluate fundraising and development initiatives for the entire University.
• Cultivates, maintains, and stewards relationships with major gift donors, stakeholders, and prospects.
• Designs revenue-generating strategies to support the University’s strategic plan.
• Directs, executes, monitors, and evaluates an ambitious fundraising agenda and an integrated external relations program.
• Serves and contributes as a member of the University’s senior leadership team, providing institutional leadership, collaboration, and direction.
• Hires, supervises and evaluates all lead institutional development staff members.
• Ensures effective and efficient research, relationship management, and other development systems.
• Recommends and implements policy, budget, and personnel administration for multiple development operating units, overseeing, and administering the allocation of funds within and among the units.
• Develops mechanisms to facilitate effective financial performance and accountability.
• Creates, activates, and manages the University's relationship with the local, state, and national constituencies including, but not limited to: government officials and appointees, community leaders and organizations, corporate leaders and partners, and non-governmental organizations.
• Represents the University in community service activities and attendance at University events.
• Represents the University to a variety of external constituencies including volunteers, donors, alumni, government officials and partners, as well as communications to and engagement with students, faculty, and staff.
• Travels and participates in business, development, public relations/marketing, and educational organizations.
• Provides leadership management and strategic support for activities and initiatives of the Board of Regents, especially as they relate to revenue-generating strategic programs and partnerships.
• Working with the President, serves as a liaison to the Board of Regents, developing and maintaining positive and effective working relationships with key volunteers involved in development, endowment management, advocacy, and community relations activities on behalf of the campus.
• Serves as senior advisor to the President on a wide range of supporting issues, including but not limited to long-range planning, development, and implementation of programs designed to enhance understanding of the University among public and private constituencies. This work includes development and implementation of strategies to effectively integrate the University’s development efforts with the institution’s academic goals and activities.
• Strategically engages faculty to generate external funds to support their academic units, students, scholarships, and creative initiatives.
• Provides and creates programmatic support for and implementation of all Presidential initiatives.

Position Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree is required for this role, and an advanced degree is preferred.
• Active membership and credentials in appropriate fundraising and development entities are preferred.
• At least five years of progressive and seasoned leadership and supervisory experience in development work, including a track record of soliciting and closing large gifts.
• Familiarity with IRS rules and regulations regarding charitable giving.
• Successfully managed a development/fundraising operation in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated an appreciation for well-coordinated alumni relations and development programs.
• Ability to inspire faculty and staff and instill confidence in development efforts.
• Organized multiple and simultaneous successful development projects and initiatives in a timely way.
• Demonstrated self-motivation, creativity, and initiative.
• Excellent communication skills, poise, diplomacy, honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective.
• Understand and support the mission and strategic plan of Texas Lutheran University.

Preferred Qualifications Include, but not limited to:

• A track record of soliciting and closing gifts of seven figures or more.
• A track record of securing major corporate donations, sponsorships, and contributions.

• A proven ability to cultivate and foster long-term donor relationships.

• A proven ability to expand and grow prospects and donor bases.

Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process. Diverse and traditionally underrepresented candidates are encouraged to apply.