Vice President for University Advancement

Missouri Southern State University•Joplin, MO

About The Position

The Vice President for University Advancement reports to the President and serves as an active member of the Presidents Cabinet. As the universitys chief advancement officer, this individual leads Missouri Southerns fundraising and external relations efforts. The Vice President for University Advancement oversees staff and programs in Development, Alumni and Donor Relations, and other units as assigned by the President, such as governmental relations. In addition, through appointment by the Missouri Southern Foundation Board of Directors, the Vice President serves as Executive Director of the Foundation. In this capacity, they report to the Foundation Board of Directors and are responsible for overseeing its business affairs, ensuring the effective stewardship of private gifts, and advancing the mission of the University.

Requirements

A bachelors degree is required from an accredited institution of higher learning, with a masters or doctoral degree preferred.
At least five years of experience in external relations/advancement (higher education, non-profit, or equivalent), with senior level experience preferred.
Valid Drivers License and the ability to meet the Universitys insurance requirements for driving university owned or leased vehicles.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, the general public and board members.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Good working knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office suite software.
Proven ability to handle confidential and proprietary information.

Responsibilities

Leads a comprehensive university advancement program including all fundraising activities (annual fund, major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, planned gifts, and campaigns), as well as advancement services and alumni/donor relations.
Reviews and approves all campus fundraising activities to ensure efforts are well-coordinated and focus on the priorities of the university.
Works closely with the President, leads community and business relations strategies and represents the university externally to multiple constituencies.
Serves on Presidents Cabinet and in that role represents university leadership at both campus and external events.
Maintains a major gift prospect portfolio and works directly with the President to develop relationships, request support, and ensure effective stewardship of gifts.
Engages in travel, primarily within region but occasionally beyond region, to fulfill fundraising and other responsibilities.
Ensures the development database is maintained and enriched to serve as an effective tool for alumni relations and fundraising.
Oversees the program of alumni relations in efforts to engage alumni effectively in the life of the university.
Manages the financial activity of the Missouri Southern Foundation. This includes preparing the annual budget, monitoring monthly financial statements, ensuring accuracy of billings provided by MSSU, directing fund transfers from the investment accounts to pay MSSU bills, coordinating individual account reporting and fund transfers with the MSSU Business Office, and assisting with the annual audit and Form 990 preparation.
Oversees the investments for the Foundation. This includes monitoring investment reports prepared by investment managers, income and allocation to individual accounts, and periodic evaluation of spending policies and rates.
Ensures compliance in multiple areas, such as donor-imposed designations, scholarship restrictions, IRS policies, and state and federal statues and laws governing nonprofit organizations.
Oversees the execution of long-range goals and objectives set forth by the Foundation Board of Directors in a manner consistent with the goals and strategic interests of MSSU.
Works directly with the Foundation Board of Directors to develop future plans and resolve current issues with the Foundation.
Serves as a conduit between the University and Foundation in areas such as strategic priorities, funding requests, engagement opportunities, and efforts to support the mission of MSSU.
Develops scholarship criteria and donor agreement documentation for new accounts.
Manages subordinate supervisors in Alumni Relations, Foundation and Development areas, and other areas as directed by the President.
Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training employees, planning, assigning, directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
Other duties as assigned by the President.