Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Lyon College•Little Rock, AR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lyon College, a growing and dynamic institution of higher education in Arkansas, associated with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., with rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs, seeks an experienced and accomplished Vice President of Institutional Advancement. The VPIA serves as the chief fundraising and external relations officer, responsible for developing and executing comprehensive strategies to enhance philanthropic support, alumni engagement, and institutional visibility for the three campuses of the Lyon College System: the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Batesville, the School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock, and the School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot. Reporting directly to the President, the VPIA provides strategic leadership to advance the college's mission, goals, and priorities through effective fundraising, grant-seeking, and constituent relations efforts. The Vice President for Advancement provides executive leadership for Lyon College's fundraising and engagement efforts in Little Rock. This role exists to build sustainable philanthropic support and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners. Key responsibilities include setting advancement strategy and goals; leading major and planned giving, annual giving, stewardship, and donor relations; managing advancement operations, budgets, and reporting; partnering with the President and senior leaders on campaign planning and priorities; and representing the College with external stakeholders. Lyon College is a USN&WR "top tier" national liberal arts college and recognized by Forbes as "One of America's Top Colleges." Founded in 1872, the College is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Arkansas and offers undergraduates exceptional preparation for their post-baccalaureate objectives. The new Lyon College Institute of Health Sciences in Little Rock will house the College's professional programs, including the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine. The School of Dental Medicine will feature cutting-edge facilities equipped with advanced technology, fostering innovation and collaboration among students and faculty.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Five to seven years of successful fundraising experience in a higher education or related environment.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Experience in planning and staffing a capital campaign.
Understanding of, and commitment to, the liberal arts and the mission of the Lyon College System.
Senior-level advancement leadership with demonstrated fundraising results.
Strong relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
Strategic planning, team leadership, and sound financial/operational judgment.
Comfort using data and metrics to guide decisions and track progress.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to enhance philanthropic support, alumni engagement, and institutional visibility.
Provide strategic leadership to advance the college's mission, goals, and priorities through effective fundraising, grant-seeking, and constituent relations efforts.
Build sustainable philanthropic support and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners.
Set advancement strategy and goals.
Lead major and planned giving, annual giving, stewardship, and donor relations.
Manage advancement operations, budgets, and reporting.
Partner with the President and senior leaders on campaign planning and priorities.
Represent the College with external stakeholders.
Review dashboards and provide updates to the team.
Meet with campus partners to refine messaging and prepare materials.
Engage in donor or alumni conversations.
Draft correspondence, review proposals and reports, and prepare for upcoming events or travel.
Assess progress against near-term targets and confirm next steps with key stakeholders.