Vice President of Advancement

Primary work location: Remote/virtual; anywhere in the United States

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Supervises : Advancement Team (Directors and Managers)

FLSA Classification : Full-time, Exempt

UTR MISSION STATEMENT : United Through Reading is a nonprofit organization dedicated to exclusively connecting military families facing physical separation through the power of storytime. Founded in 1989, the organization began on the premise that schools cannot fulfill all of children’s educational and emotional needs, especially children of military families who may struggle with anxiety. However, reading aloud strengthens relational bonds while also building early literacy and language skills, expanding vocabulary, instilling a positive relationship with reading and a stable sense of routine, and boosting self-esteem. For 35 years, UTR has helped millions of military children maintain emotional bonds and build strong literacy foundations through storytime videos recorded by the service members who love them.

With a rapidly growing digital platform, nationwide program footprint, and ambitious strategic vision, UTR is entering an exciting new chapter—and we’re seeking a strategic, systems-minded leader to help drive it.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Advancement sets and leads UTR's fundraising strategy, develops and leads the Advancement team, and represents UTR's philanthropic priorities to the CEO, Board, and external stakeholders. The VP is accountable for organization-wide fundraising performance and for the effectiveness of the team that delivers it, working through the Directors of Individual Giving & Events and Institutional Giving, who lead execution within their respective channels.

The VP carries a personal portfolio limited to principal-level relationships — those whose capacity, complexity, or organizational significance places them above what a channel program is built to manage. Day-to-day cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship within the individual and institutional channels belong to the Directors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Strategy & Portfolio Oversight

• Set UTR’s fundraising strategy and annual fundraising revenue goal in partnership with the CEO; review and align channel-level goals, forecasts, and priorities developed with the Directors.
• Monitor performance across fundraising channels, identify risks and opportunities, and use performance data to adjust strategy and inform CEO and Board reporting.
• Hold a personal portfolio of principal-level donors, corporations, and foundations — relationships whose capacity, complexity, or organizational significance places them above channel-level management.
• Determine which prospects or relationships rise to principal level, and which remain within a Director's channel.
• Evaluate and develop new funding models or opportunities that do not fit within established giving channels or require a cross-channel or organization-wide approach.
• Provide direct development support for select complex or cross-functional proposals when executive involvement or team capacity warrants.
• Partner with the Director of Individual Giving & Events to establish the strategic vision, goals, and appropriate executive and Board involvement for UTR’s signature fundraising events; the Director leads event strategy and execution.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop the Advancement team, providing the direction, mentorship, accountability, and professional development needed for strong performance and recruiting as the team grows.
• Develop and oversee Advancement’s department budget, ensuring department resources support fundraising strategy and organizational priorities.
• Set ongoing Advancement priorities and resolve cross-channel resource needs by adjusting staff capacity, responsibilities, and other resources as circumstances require.
• Set standards for the systems and platforms that support Advancement's work and ensure the team has the tools, training, and processes needed to use them effectively.
• Champion a culture of philanthropy by building organization-wide understanding of and support for UTR’s fundraising priorities.

Revenue Partnerships

• Lead and steward strategic partnerships that extend beyond a single funding transaction and require sustained organization-wide, executive, or Board-level engagement.
• Provide executive-level support in significant channel-based funding relationships when VP involvement adds value, while preserving Director leadership of the relationship within the relevant giving channel.

Executive Partnership & External Representation

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team and partner with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Senior Leadership Council on fundraising strategy.
• Partner with the Advancement Committee on fundraising goals, performance, strategy, and appropriate Board engagement.
• Represent UTR with donors, partners, military leaders, and community stakeholders at the executive level.
• Coordinate appropriate CEO and Board engagement in significant fundraising opportunities, relationships, risks, and strategic decisions.
• Ensure Advancement strategy and donor commitments remain aligned with organizational priorities, programmatic capacity, and UTR's mission.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of fundraising, advancement, corporate relations, or nonprofit leadership experience.
• 5+ years of progressive staff leadership and supervision, including experience leading and developing managers or directors.
• Proven success setting fundraising strategy, leading toward revenue goals, forecasting performance, and managing significant donor or partner relationships.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Salesforce (or similar CRM), and project management software.
• Experience with military, veteran, or military family communities preferred.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain access to military installations and facilities.

Essential Qualities

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong judgment, prioritization, and organizational leadership skills.
• Skilled at prioritizing across hands-on donor relationships and organization-wide strategic leadership.
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Professional judgment, integrity, and discretion.
• Passion for supporting military families.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Fully remote position with approximately 10% travel.
• Requires reliable internet, mobile phone service, and transportation.
• Ability to perform standard office and computer-based work.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $93,500–$105,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Annual compensation review based on performance and organizational results.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Flexible remote work environment.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal background, education verification, DMV, and exclusion/debarment screenings.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to military installations and facilities as required to perform the duties of the position.