Vice President of University Advancement

Job Description

The Vice President of University Advancement (VPUA) is responsible for leading the University's advancement efforts and ensuring that fundraising initiatives, including annual and capital campaigns, support the University's strategic priorities, current funding objectives, and long-term growth. The VPUA provides leadership and effective management of the University Advancement team, ensuring departmental goals and objectives are achieved and that administrative and operational requirements are carried out in accordance with University policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

The VPUA works closely with the President, Board of Directors, senior leadership, volunteer leadership, alumni, donors, and other key stakeholders to advance the University's priorities through fundraising, alumni and donor engagement, and community relations. As a key member of the University's executive leadership team, the VPUA reports directly to the President.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FUNDRAISING AND ADVANCEMENT STRATEGY

As Chief Development Officer, the VPUA works closely with the President, Board of Directors, academic leadership, and senior staff to establish fundraising priorities and strategies consistent with the University's mission, values, academic goals, and strategic priorities.

Leads the University's efforts to achieve fundraising goals established in partnership with the President and Board of Directors.

Manages a portfolio of high-level prospects and donors, personally cultivating, soliciting, and securing significant philanthropic support while strategically engaging the President, Board members, deans, faculty, and other University leaders in the fundraising process.

Works with Board members, volunteer leaders, alumni, and other University partners to identify and engage new prospective donors, with a particular focus on expanding UST's philanthropic reach beyond Houston and Texas.

Provides leadership and direction for all aspects of prospect research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Develops and maintains strong relationships with donors, prospects, alumni, volunteers, academic leaders, and other key stakeholders to advance the University's philanthropic priorities and secure support for operating, capital, and strategic needs.

Provides strategic leadership for corporate and foundation fundraising.

Identifies opportunities to strengthen the University's relationships and partnerships within the philanthropic community.

Provides strategic direction for presidential, donor, and alumni events that support cultivation, engagement, stewardship, and fundraising objectives.

Directs the development of compelling proposals, presentations, and other materials in support of fundraising priorities.

Represents the University with donors, alumni, community leaders, philanthropic organizations, and other external stakeholders, including through presentations and speaking engagements as appropriate.

Ensures effective use of the University's constituent relationship management system, including appropriate documentation of prospect activity, solicitation strategies, stewardship, and reporting.

BOARD AND VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT

Partners with the Board Chair, Board of Directors, and other volunteer leaders to maximize their engagement and effectiveness in advancing the University's fundraising priorities.

Works closely with the Development Committee and other volunteer leadership to develop and implement fundraising strategies in support of the University's advancement goals.

Develops opportunities to cultivate, engage, and educate Board members and other high-level volunteers about the University's mission, priorities, and philanthropic needs.

Partners with Alumni Association volunteer leadership to strengthen alumni engagement, participation, and philanthropic support.

DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Leads, develops, and manages University Advancement staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team and a strong culture of philanthropy.

Establishes departmental goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures aligned with the University's advancement priorities.

Mentors and develops Advancement staff, providing leadership, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.

Provides strategic review and approval of significant fundraising proposals, sponsorship materials, and advancement communications.

Ensures appropriate systems, processes, and internal controls are in place to maintain accurate donor, prospect, gift, and development records.

Ensures the timely and accurate submission of proposals, budgets, reports, and other required materials to donors and funders.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES

Bachelor's degree required; a degree in communications, marketing, public relations, business administration, or a related field is preferred. A master's degree is preferred.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including significant management and leadership responsibility within a development or advancement operation.

Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts from a diverse range of donors and prospects.

Significant experience developing and executing capital campaigns, major fundraising initiatives, and donor engagement events.

Experience in higher education is preferred but not required. Experience within a Catholic institution or demonstrated familiarity with Catholic higher education is a plus.

Demonstrated experience working effectively with Boards of Directors, executive leadership, high-level volunteers, donors, and other key stakeholders.

Proven ability to lead, develop, motivate, and manage a high-performing advancement team in an environment of high expectations and accountability.

Significant experience engaging and leading volunteers in support of fundraising and institutional priorities.

Exceptional interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external audiences.

Demonstrated strategic and creative thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations, build consensus, and develop effective solutions.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously while maintaining focus, organization, and attention to deadlines.

Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to foster collaboration across diverse constituencies.

Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a strong work ethic and demonstrated record of leadership and accomplishment.

Demonstrates the highest level of integrity, sound judgment, confidence balanced with humility, and a genuine commitment to building meaningful relationships.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by individuals in this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of individuals in this job classification. All job classifications may have miscellaneous job duties assigned on an as needed basis. Management, at the appropriate level, retains the right to assign and change the duties of any position at any time.

The University of St. Thomas
3800 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
The University of St. Thomas is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About the Employer

Mission Advantage recruits mission-focused talent to organizations that are changing the world