Associate Vice President

Associate Vice President for AdvancementThe Associate Vice President for Advancement plays a critical leadership role in advancing Truman State University's mission by fostering a culture of philanthropy and engagement. As the leader of Truman's development team, this position provides strategic direction, supervision, coaching, and oversight for frontline fundraising efforts across the University. The Associate Vice President manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and serves as the Advancement team's primary liaison to Athletics and key affinity groups (such as supporters of the library and Greek Life). In this liaison role, the Associate Vice President will build strong partnerships, identify philanthropic opportunities, and align engagement strategies with the priorities of these important campus communities. The Associate Vice President also partners closely with University and foundation leadership to drive fundraising success and contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of philanthropic support.Relationship ManagementPersonally manage a portfolio of approximately 75–100 major gift prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic supportInspire philanthropy among alumni, donors, and University stakeholdersPartner with the Vice President to engage top donors and advance high-level gift strategiesServe as the primary liaison to Athletics and key affinity groups, such as supporters of the library and Greek LifeStrategy and ExecutionLead the development and execution of fundraising strategies in collaboration with the Vice President for Advancement and President of the UniversityDrive progress toward annual and multi-year fundraising goalsOversee fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional prioritiesUtilize data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy adjustmentsLeadership and Team DevelopmentProvide direct supervision for development staff and the prospect research analystSet clear expectations, offer regular feedback, monitor performance, and conduct meaningful evaluationsCoach team members in portfolio management, donor strategy, relationship-building, and advancement best practicesFoster a collaborative, high-performing team environment focused on results and continuous improvementCollaboration and Campus EngagementServe as a primary liaison to the Foundation Board Development CommitteeWork closely with University leadership, academic partners, and advancement staff to ensure coordinated fundraising effortsAttend and support key fundraising and engagement eventsServe as a resource to staff on donor strategy, complex solicitations, and emerging trends in philanthropyData, Metrics and AccountabilityEstablish and monitor fundraising goals, tracking progress through established CRM system (Slate)Analyze performance data to improve outcomes and inform decision-makingContribute to division-wide goal setting and achievement of increased major gift activityThe Successful Candidate Will:Build strong, trust-based relationships with donors, colleagues, campus partners, community stakeholders, Athletics, affinity groups, and Foundation Board membersBe a champion of Truman State, communicating donor interests, institutional impact, and strategic priorities with clarity and enthusiasmLead with accountability by setting clear expectations, coaching staff, supporting performance, and following through on resultsCollaborate across teams to advance shared goals, strengthen partnerships, and support fundraising initiativesApproach challenges with a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset focused on progress, pipeline growth, and donor engagementMaintain an active presence on campus and in the community while contributing to a positive team culture that celebrates progress and achievementAbout Truman State University Advancement:Truman State University is Missouri's highly selective public liberal arts and sciences university, committed to providing an exceptional undergraduate and graduate education grounded in academic excellence and student success. Located in Kirksville, Truman fosters a close-knit, student-centered environment that emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and lifelong learning. Truman State University's 16 NCAA Division II athletic teams and broad range of student organizations create meaningful points of connection for alumni, donors, and students through Bulldog athletics, professional clubs, service organizations, fraternity and sorority life, intramurals, study abroad, student government, and other campus experiences. University Advancement plays a vital role in supporting Truman State by building meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University. Working in partnership with the Truman State University Foundation, the division raises approximately $3 million annually to support scholarships, academic programs, student experiences, faculty excellence, capital priorities, and other strategic initiatives. The division is committed to fostering a culture of philanthropy that connects individual passions with institutional priorities and drives lasting impact. The Associate Vice President will join a collaborative team focused on growing major gift activity, strengthening alumni and donor engagement, and advancing a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the University.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in any field of studyAt least 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, or a related fieldDemonstrated success in building relationships, securing philanthropic support, generating revenue, or advancing organizational goals through external engagementExperience leading teams and managing staffAbility to travel and attend events, including evenings and weekendsPreferred Qualifications:Master's degreeExperience in higher education advancementExperience working with a fiduciary or governing boardFamiliarity with Slate CRM systemSalary:The starting salary for this position ranges $80,000-90,000 annually commensurate with qualifications and experience.Non Discrimination Statement:Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, View phone number on click.appcast.io, and View email address on click.appcast.io. Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.