Vice President

Vice President Of AdvancementChamplain College is seeking a Vice President of Advancement to develop and lead the vision, strategy, and operations that power the college's fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, this role is responsible for setting the direction for all advancement activities — including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship. This is a high-impact opportunity at an institution with a clear direction and the investments to back it up.Champlain is launching innovative new programs and deepening its partnerships with local and regional employers — all while expanding scholarship access to reach more students. The VP of Advancement will help translate these initiatives into philanthropic results that open doors for students and strengthen the college's position as a national leader in career-driven education. The College is building toward a significant fundraising campaign and the next VP will play a central role in shaping and executing that effort.The ideal candidate is an energetic, results-oriented advancement professional who thrives on building relationships and closing gifts. Leading a team of four direct reports and 12 total staff, this role requires a leader who can set strategy and execute it personally, from cultivating major donor prospects to representing the college at events and in the community. We're looking for someone with the drive and creativity to take a strong foundation and make it stronger.Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising Strategy & ExecutionDevelop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy encompassing major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and campaign initiatives aligned with institutional prioritiesPersonally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating and soliciting donors at the highest levelsSet fundraising goals, track performance metrics, and report outcomes to the President and Board of TrusteesIdentify and support proposal development of corporate and foundation funding opportunities through donor access and stakeholder coordinationDonor & Alumni EngagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, prospective donors, Board members, and community partnersDevelop and oversee donor stewardship programs that recognize giving and sustain long-term engagementLead alumni relations efforts that strengthen connections to the college and create pathways to giving, volunteerism, and advocacyPlan and execute cultivation events, donor recognition programs, and advancement-related communicationsInstitutional Representation & PartnershipsServe as a visible ambassador for the college, representing Champlain's mission, values, and impact to external audiencesPartner with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on strategic initiatives that advance the college's philanthropic positionCollaborate across the institution — including Enrollment, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs — to align advancement priorities with institutional goalsEngage with community leaders, local and regional employers, and civic organizations to strengthen Champlain's profile and expand its network of supporters and partnersTeam Leadership & OperationsLead, mentor, and develop the advancement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growthOversee the advancement budget and ensure responsible financial management of all philanthropic funds and gift processing operationsEnsure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements governing charitable giving and foundation activitiesLeverage data, analytics, and advancement technology to inform strategy and improve fundraising outcomesRequirementsBachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferredTen or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, institutional advancement or adjacent fields, with demonstrated success in personally securing major giftsStrong budget management skills with experience overseeing advancement operations and gift processingExcellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partnersOutstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the institution publicly and craft compelling cases for supportExperience managing and developing staff in a collaborative, team-oriented environmentFamiliarity with advancement CRM systems and data-driven approaches to fundraisingA leadership style characterized by energy, initiative, and a willingness to be hands-on in all aspects of the workWorking ArrangementsFull-time position based at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, with regular on-campus presence expectedStandard business hours, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for evening and weekend commitments including donor events, board meetings, and college functionsTravel required for donor cultivation, alumni engagement, and institutional representationCompensation & BenefitsAnnual Salary: $165,000-$185,000Comprehensive Benefits Package:Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA optionsPaid Time Off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 2 days of personal leaveRetirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contributionEducation: Tuition benefits for employees and family membersWellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentivesWelfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insuranceOther Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programsApplication Instructions:To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:Resume/CVCover Letter addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College.The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.