AVP, Institutional Advancement at Virginia Union University – Richmond, Virginia

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

The Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement serves as the chief advancement officer of the University and provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction for all fundraising, alumni engagement, communications, and external relations initiatives. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPIA develops and implements comprehensive advancement strategies that strengthen philanthropic support, enhance institutional visibility, and cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive institutional advancement strategy aligned with the University’s strategic plan.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the President on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and external relations.
• Provide leadership for major fundraising campaigns, capital initiatives, and endowment growth.
• Establish measurable goals and performance metrics for advancement operations.
• Lead all fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and campaign strategy.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Expand donor pipelines and strengthen philanthropic partnerships.
• Ensure effective donor recognition, stewardship, and engagement practices.
• Strengthen alumni relations programs to increase engagement, participation, and philanthropic support.
• Foster partnerships with community leaders, civic organizations, corporations, and foundations.
• Represent the University at public events, donor meetings, and community functions.
• Oversee institutional communications, branding, and advancement-related marketing initiatives.
• Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the University’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee advancement operations, including prospect research, donor database management, gift processing, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements related to fundraising and donor relations.
• Manage advancement budgets and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to advancement staff.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative advancement team.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and service excellence.

Education

• Master’s degree required; doctoral degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in institutional advancement, development, or fundraising within higher education or a comparable nonprofit organization.
• Must be able to lift 10 pounds.

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit their resume, four professional references and a cover letter. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background investigation and reference check will be required prior to employment. For any questions or concerns, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.

For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page.