Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Elmhurst University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement reports directly to the President, serves on the President’s Cabinet and leads the advancement efforts of the University. This position is responsible for the alumni relations program, annual giving program, major and planned giving programs, corporate and foundation relations program, advancement services and donor stewardship programs. The vice president fosters an atmosphere of support and interest on the part of the University’s various constituencies and oversees all functions and staff members in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

ABOUT ELMHURST UNIVERSITY

Elmhurst University is a leading four-year institution of higher education that seamlessly blends a liberal arts education and professional preparation to help students acquire knowledge and skills for enduring success. Founded in 1871, Elmhurst now offers more than 70 undergraduate programs of study; more than 20 master’s, doctoral and certificate programs in flexible formats; and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst University ranks among the top 10 best regional colleges and universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report. The campus is a 48-acre oasis: a nationally recognized arboretum nestled in a vibrant suburb that is located just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and is easily accessible via Metra rail and other public transportation.

Elmhurst’s diverse student population, alumni base, and faculty and staff form a caring community that enables students to excel academically and in careers through supportive experiences. With an enrollment of more than 3,400 students, we boast a student-faculty ratio of just 13:1. Our alumni community of more than 40,000 is filled with passionate “Bluejay backers” who take pride in the institution and wish to see it thrive. Inspired by the University’s mission to make meaningful contributions to their local and larger communities, our students, faculty and staff thrive as adaptive leaders.

THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

Elmhurst University continues to develop as an exemplary, student-centered and innovative liberal arts institution. The students are engaging; the faculty and staff are talented and dedicated to excellence; the alumni see great potential in their alma mater; the City of Elmhurst is a strong partner and eager to grow with the University; and the Board of Trustees provides important counsel and growing financial support.

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement will join Elmhurst University at a dynamic and vibrant time. Under the leadership of our 14th President, Dr. Troy D. VanAken, the University has celebrated some remarkable milestones in the past few years, including our 150th anniversary, officially becoming a university, record-setting enrollments, and the recent completion of the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in institutional history. We are eager to keep building on the momentum we have gained.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of success in advancement work and cultivating deep alumni engagement. The vice president will be able to show a history of developing and coordinating plans and programs designed to secure the maximum level of gift support for both operating and capital needs. They will recommend objectives, goals and procedures for institutional priorities to the President and the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee and will be tasked with planning and executing the University’s next major campaigns.

The ideal candidate must possess management skills, including hiring, training and inspiring the Advancement team to be accountable and deliver results. The ability to develop and lead a collaborative team is key. The vice president will have an accessible and collegial style, polished communication skills, and a willingness to engage the extended campus community in development-related activities. Elmhurst is seeking a professional with an appreciation and strong understanding of the liberal arts, and an ability to articulate the unique benefits of higher education.

The University welcomes a candidate who acts with integrity and authenticity, articulates the distinctive mission and vision of the University, defines goals and objectives succinctly, and champions accountability and results in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Owns and champions the planning, development and execution of comprehensive campaigns.
• Secures the requisite amount of operating support for the University each year (Elmhurst Fund).
• Develops and implements plans to secure the maximum level of gift support for both operating and capital needs.
• Initiates and develops creative and aggressive approaches to identify and secure new sources of support for the University.
• Leads by example with an active schedule of personal visits with both high-level donors and emerging prospects.
• Sets strategies with key donors and ensures that staff move prospect relationships to the point of solicitations.
• Motivates and nurtures a high-performing Advancement team.
• Implements policies, systems and activity metrics to support department and institutional goals.
• Works with the Board of Trustees and President to establish and implement short- and long-range fundraising strategies, including capital campaign-related goals and objectives to secure funding for University priorities.
• Builds relationships with campus partners to expand alumni engagement, student recruitment opportunities and increased fundraising.
• Oversees the development process, including identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors.
• Reinforces best practices in fundraising.
• Coordinates and serves as staff adviser to the Advancement and Trusteeship (nominating) committees.
• Represents the University at many social, service and civic functions.
• Develops and manages the overall division budget.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supports University mission, vision and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

   

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

   

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Seven to 10 years of progressively responsible higher education advancement or comprehensive campaign experience preferred.
  • Ability to travel, attend evening and weekend meetings and events, and maintain an active schedule of personal visits.
  • Proven track record of consistently meeting and exceeding work objectives.
  • Demonstrated success as an inspirational team builder and leader.
  • Experience with a relational database/CRM and leading or working within a robust major gift prospect management system.
  • Proven ability to build internal and external relationships with constituents from diverse backgrounds and to mobilize volunteers.
  • Work experience emphasizing collaboration, transparency, consensus building, conflict resolution and problem solving.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills that are effective across a variety of constituencies.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality at the highest level.

     

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

     

    • Master’s degree preferred.
    • Five years of related management experience in higher education advancement work.

       

      WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

       

      Employee is primarily subject to indoor work, protected from weather conditions. Work is sometimes, but not always sedentary in nature and involves exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently/constantly in order to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

       

      APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

       

      Gonser Gerber Search is assisting the University in developing a pool of candidates. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com. Applications should include a Microsoft Word or PDF attachment including: 

    • A cover letter
    • A current resume
    • Contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process. 

      
      Nominations should include: 

    • Name of nominee
    • Current contact information

       

      Elmhurst University prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Diverse and traditionally underrepresented candidates are encouraged to apply.