Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement

University of Arkansas System•Pine Bluff, AR

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Building upon a sustained philanthropic growth rate exceeding 25% annually over the past three years, the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement offers a unique opportunity for a creative and innovative advancement leader to transform the institutional culture and significantly grow operational revenue. Reporting directly to the Chancellor and serving as a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet, the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement is the university’s chief fundraising officer and senior advancement strategist. This executive leader is responsible for the comprehensive direction, execution, and evaluation of all development and alumni engagement functions at UAPB. The Vice Chancellor also works in close partnership with the University of Arkansas System Foundation to align philanthropic strategies, steward donor intent, and maximize long-term fundraising success on behalf of UAPB. The Vice Chancellor leads efforts to cultivate individual, corporate, and foundation support, spearheads major campaigns, and partners with internal stakeholders to align philanthropic strategy with institutional priorities outlined in Preeminence 2030: Advancing the Pride. The role also serves as a key ambassador to alumni, friends, and external partners, promoting a shared sense of pride, ownership, and investment in UAPB’s future. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), a proud 1890 land-grant institution, the only public historically Black university in Arkansas, and a Carnegie-classified Research College and University, seeks an accomplished, forward-thinking leader to serve as Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. This defining moment in UAPB’s history is marked by bold vision, accelerating institutional momentum, and expanding regional and national impact. The Vice Chancellor will serve as a strategist and chief fundraising officer, helping position UAPB as a beacon of opportunity and a catalyst for transformation across Arkansas and beyond. As UAPB accelerates its pursuit of national preeminence and Research 2 (R2) designation, the Vice Chancellor will lead efforts to grow philanthropic support, deepen alumni engagement, and foster a culture of giving that advances the university’s most critical priorities from student success and faculty excellence to academic innovation and capital development. At the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, you will join a leadership team committed to transformation, equity, and excellence. As UAPB expands its impact across the Arkansas Delta and beyond, the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement will be empowered to build an advancement infrastructure that attracts new investment, engages alumni, and tells the compelling story of a university on the rise. This is more than a fundraising role—it’s a leadership opportunity to shape UAPB’s future and ensure the continued legacy of one of America’s most historic and promising HBCUs.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution of higher education required.
Minimum of five years of progressive advancement leadership experience, preferably at a four-year institution of higher education.
Demonstrated, quantifiable record of securing and closing six- and seven-figure major gifts along with sustained donor stewardship and campaign leadership success.
Evidence of fundraising and leveraging funds raised to support student success, including measurable improvements in retention, persistence, and 4-year degree completion.
Experience managing fundraising teams and cross-functional advancement operations.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution of higher education.
Advancement experience at a public four-year institution, preferably a public land-grant or research-focused institution.
Experience working across diverse institutional types, with an understanding of and appreciation for the mission and legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Experience with alumni engagement, planned giving, foundation relations, and capital fundraising.
Experience leading multi-million-dollar capital campaigns for four-year institutions of higher education.
Experience directing, managing, and guiding multi-million dollar institutional and concept proposals to success.
Understanding of advancement analytics, donor management systems (e.g., Affinaquest Advancement RM, Raiser’s Edge, Slate, Scholarship Universe), and performance metrics.
Commitment to expanding access, opportunity and impact through philanthropy.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a multi-year strategic fundraising plan that supports institutional priorities including student scholarships, endowed faculty positions, academic programs, facilities, and research.
Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity major gift prospects and donors, providing strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Oversee all aspects of the giving pipeline, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and capital campaigns.
Collaborate with the Chancellor, deans, and faculty to develop compelling cases for support and strategic fundraising priorities.
Engage directly in donor cultivation and solicitation activities, modeling best practices and reinforcing a high-performance, team-oriented culture.
Ensure all fundraising strategies are aligned with measurable outcomes, including increased student retention, degree completion, and institutional return on investment.
Lead and strengthen the Office of Alumni Affairs to build lifelong relationships with alumni through targeted communications, class reunions, regional events, affinity groups, homecoming activities, and volunteer engagement.
Develop segmented engagement strategies that connect alumni across generations, majors, industries, and regions.
Expand alumni participation in mentorship programs, student recruitment, career support, and annual giving.
Build institutional readiness for a future comprehensive fundraising campaign by developing campaign infrastructure, donor pipeline, volunteer leadership, and internal systems.
Work closely with Institutional Advancement staff and academic leadership to establish campaign goals, timelines, and campaign marketing materials.
Leverage predictive analytics and donor segmentation tools to identify and prioritize high-impact prospects and campaign strategies.
Monitor campaign progress through performance metrics and report regularly to the Chancellor and Executive Cabinet.
Establish a comprehensive stewardship program to recognize, retain, and deepen donor relationships.
Ensure gift acknowledgement and reporting processes are timely, personalized, and aligned with donor intent.
Use data visualization and AI-enhanced platforms to generate impact reports and donor communications that demonstrate transparency and long-term value.
Demonstrate an established portfolio of productive corporate, foundation, and business relationships and leverage those networks to expand philanthropic investment and strategic partnerships on behalf of UAPB.
Cultivate partnerships with private foundations and corporations to support scholarships, research, student internships, workforce development, and academic programming.
Write or contribute to the preparation of grant proposals in collaboration with academic units or the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Build external networks with employers, philanthropic organizations, and civic groups that align with UAPB’s strategic and economic development goals.
Serve as a key strategist for Foundation-initiated proposals and joint funding ventures with industry-aligned academic programs.
Serve as a visible and active presence in the Pine Bluff community and broader Delta region, strengthening relationships that enhance institutional reputation and philanthropic support.
Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing Institutional Advancement team with expertise in donor relations, data analytics, alumni affairs, and campaign planning.
Develop and implement a structured professional development framework to support staff growth, succession planning, and advancement career pathways.
Oversee advancement operations including budget management, CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge or equivalent), gift processing, prospect research, and reporting.
Implement AI-informed tools and digital engagement platforms to automate donor communications, personalize outreach, and improve giving conversion rates.
Establish clear KPIs, performance benchmarks, and assessment tools to track progress toward fundraising and engagement goals.
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by integrating data analytics into all decision-making and performance tracking processes.