Senior Vice President, Institutional Advancem 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 Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement (SVPIA) serves as the University’s chief advancement officer and a key member of the President’s executive leadership team. This role provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for all advancement functions, including fundraising, alumni relations, communications, marketing, and external affairs. The SVPIA is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that enhances philanthropic support, strengthens institutional reputation, and builds meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor to the President on fundraising, external relations, and advancement initiatives.
• Lead major fundraising campaigns, capital campaigns, and endowment growth efforts.
• Establish performance metrics and evaluate advancement effectiveness.
• Oversee all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors and key prospects.
• Expand donor pipelines and strengthen philanthropic partnerships.
• Ensure effective donor engagement, recognition, and stewardship programs.
• Provide leadership for alumni engagement strategies that increase participation, volunteerism, and giving.
• Strengthen relationships between alumni and the University.
• Develop programs that promote lifelong alumni involvement.
• Oversee institutional communications, branding, and marketing strategies.
• Ensure consistent messaging that enhances the University’s visibility and reputation.
• Manage advancement-related publications, digital content, and public relations initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate partners, foundations, government agencies, and community leaders.
• Represent the University at events, conferences, and public engagements.
• Strengthen community and regional partnerships.
• Oversee advancement operations, including prospect research, donor database management, gift processing, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards for fundraising.
• Manage budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility within the division.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing advancement team.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
• Promote professional development and succession planning within the division.

Education

• Master’s degree required; doctoral degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in institutional advancement, fundraising, or development.
• 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.