Vice President of Institutional Advancement - Pfeiffer University

Job Description

Job Description

Career Opportunity  

Pfeiffer University seeks an experienced, externally focused advancement executive and fundraiser to serve as its next Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The successful candidate will build philanthropic capacity, strengthen a growing advancement team, deepen relationships with donors and alumni, and partner closely with the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and campus leaders to advance the University's strategic priorities. This leader will maintain an active portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and spend significant time cultivating relationships beyond the office. 

Mission: Pfeiffer University delivers a transformational, personalized education wherein students are shaped by a gifted, diverse, and committed community of mentors. Graduates are prepared to lead, have the disposition to serve, and possess the wisdom and skills to facilitate health and prosperity throughout the region and the world. 

Reporting Structure : Reports to the President and serves as a member of the President's Cabinet. Oversees the Advancement team comprised of an Assistant Vice President for Advancement (new position), Grant Writer, Major Gifts Officer (new position), Advancement Officer, Advancement Services and Alumni Engagement.  

Philanthropic Goals : Currently raises $6 million annually, approximately 50% of which is restricted. Goals include increasing annual fundraising to $8-$10 million and growing the endowment from its current $26 million to $50 million. 

Salary : The salary range for this position is $130,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience. 

Working Environment: Full-time, campus-based leadership role in Misenheimer, NC, with regular regional and national travel. Vice President must live within 45 minutes of the campus.  

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement  

Philanthropic Leadership and Major Gifts 

• Lead a comprehensive, donor-centered advancement program encompassing major and principal gifts, annual giving, planned and legacy giving, grants, alumni engagement, stewardship, and campaign strategy.  
• Maintain an active portfolio of high-potential donors and prospects, with significant time devoted to qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.  
• Partner with the President on principal gift strategy, donor visits, volunteer engagement, and the advancement of institutional priorities.  
• Build a strategic pipeline of major and planned gifts to increase unrestricted support and grow the University's endowment toward its long-term goal.  
• Develop compelling cases for support and naming opportunities that connect donor interests with student success and institutional priorities.  

Strategy, Campaigns, and Institutional Growth 

• Create and execute a long-range advancement strategy with clear annual goals, performance measures, timelines, and budgets.  
• Assess campaign readiness and develop the strategy, infrastructure, volunteer leadership, prospect pipeline, and case for support necessary for Pfeiffer's next comprehensive or capital campaign. 
• Use donor data, portfolio analysis, prospect research, and performance dashboards to guide decisions and measure progress.  
• Balance immediate revenue needs with sustained investment in donor relationships, staff capacity, systems, and long-term institutional strength.  
• Communicate fundraising progress, opportunities, and risks clearly to the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees.  

Team Leadership, Infrastructure, and Accountability 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing advancement team while fostering ownership, collaboration, initiative, and accountability.  
• Cultivate a university-wide culture of philanthropy by equipping campus partners to engage donors, advance funding priorities, and demonstrate the impact of giving. 
• Partner with an Assistant Vice President for Advancement to provide day-to-day leadership for advancement operations, services, annual giving, and alumni engagement.  
• Clarify roles, decision rights, goals, workflows, and meeting rhythms across the division.  
• Establish meaningful individual and team metrics, regular portfolio reviews, and consistent follow-through on priorities.  
• Ensure effective use of Raiser's Edge NXT and related systems to support