Vice President for University Advancement

Nelson University • Waxahachie, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President for Advancement is the University’s chief development leader and a trusted advisor to the President, responsible for setting strategy and direction for all advancement-related functions. This role provides executive oversight of fundraising, alumni, donor, and church relations, and external and community engagement; as well as partnership for departmental advancement and brand stewardship. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President for Advancement is instrumental in advancing institutional priorities, increasing philanthropic support, and enhancing the University’s reputation and long-term financial health. As a senior institutional leader, the Vice President for Advancement cultivates a strong culture of philanthropy, teamwork, accountability, and forward-thinking leadership. The Vice President serves as a visible ambassador for the University, building and sustaining strategic relationships with major donors, church and denominational leaders, athletic and departmental partners, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. This role calls for a deep commitment to the University’s Christian mission and an active, intentional approach to integrating faith and values throughout all areas of leadership and responsibility.

Requirements

• Faith and lifestyle that meet University expectations
• Must be a committed Christian in agreement with the doctrinal positions of the Assemblies of God and hold, or be eligible to obtain and maintain, an active Assemblies of God ministerial license or credential in good standing.
• Must demonstrate regular, active participation and attendance in an Assemblies of God church or a church aligned with AG doctrine and values.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree or related certifications preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior-level administrative experience with responsibility for strategic planning, staff leadership, budget oversight, and institutional decision-making; experience serving on a President’s Cabinet or equivalent executive leadership team preferred.
• A thorough knowledge of fundraising processes and demonstrated fundraising ability.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns and donor relationship management.
• Strategic fluency in the use of social and digital platforms, paired with an awareness of generational trends in giving, to strengthen alumni engagement and achieve advancement goals.
• High level of competence, administrative ability, and personal initiative and motivation.
• Ability to effectively use and navigate integrated information systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Sensitivity to the spiritual and educational environment, and the elements that distinguish the University from other enterprises.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or related certifications preferred.
• experience serving on a President’s Cabinet or equivalent executive leadership team preferred.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising: Solicits public gifts, private gifts, and grants for the support of the University. The major funding needs are annual operational expenses, capital campaigns, scholarships, and operational endowments.
• Collaborate with the President and senior leadership to shape and advance the University’s Strategic plan, with primary responsibility for aligning fundraising priorities, campaign initiatives, and philanthropic resources to institutional goals.
• Establish and assess measurable goals, performance metrics, and outcomes for all areas of advancement, using data-informed decision making and benchmarking against peer institutions.
• Empower and develop the staff of the office of University Advancement (Development and Alumni offices) through delegation, education, and communication, as well as exercise administrative oversight for the offices of Development and Alumni.
• Serve as University liaison to the Nelson Alumni Association, Women’s Alliance, Commission on Advancement, and the Nelson University Foundation. Is responsible for guiding and encouraging them to assist in the many different facets of University development by fulfilling their respective mission and reason for being.
• Lead efforts to cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the University, engaging trustees, senior leaders, faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers as partners in advancement.
• Work closely with key volunteers, especially the Nelson Foundation and Board of Regents, to strengthen governance, advance fundraising priorities, and inspire leadership giving. Encourage all leadership to fully support Nelson University on a regular basis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive