Associate Vice President for Advancement

Apply for the Associate Vice President for Advancement position at Truman State University online at https://trumansu.peopleadmin.com/postings/1602

The 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. Job responsibilities include:

Relationship Management

• Personally manage a portfolio of approximately 75–100 major gift prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support
• Inspire philanthropy among alumni, donors, and University stakeholders
• Partner with the Vice President to engage top donors and advance high-level gift strategies
• Serve as the primary liaison to Athletics and key affinity groups, such as supporters of the library and Greek Life

Strategy and Execution

• Lead the development and execution of fundraising strategies in collaboration with the Vice President for Advancement and President of the University
• Drive progress toward annual and multi-year fundraising goals
• Oversee fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities
• Utilize data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy adjustments

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide direct supervision for development staff and the prospect research analyst
• Set clear expectations, offer regular feedback, monitor performance, and conduct meaningful evaluations
• Coach team members in portfolio management, donor strategy, relationship-building, and advancement best practices
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment focused on results and continuous improvement

Collaboration and Campus Engagement

• Serve as a primary liaison to the Foundation Board Development Committee
• Work closely with University leadership, academic partners, and advancement staff to ensure coordinated fundraising efforts
• Attend and support key fundraising and engagement events
• Serve as a resource to staff on donor strategy, complex solicitations, and emerging trends in philanthropy

Data, Metrics and Accountability

• Establish and monitor fundraising goals, tracking progress through established CRM system (Slate)
• Analyze performance data to improve outcomes and inform decision-making
• Contribute to division-wide goal setting and achievement of increased major gift activity

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with donors, colleagues, campus partners, community stakeholders, Athletics, affinity groups, and Foundation Board members
• Be a champion of Truman State, communicating donor interests, institutional impact, and strategic priorities with clarity and enthusiasm
• Lead with accountability by setting clear expectations, coaching staff, supporting performance, and following through on results
• Collaborate across teams to advance shared goals, strengthen partnerships, and support fundraising initiatives
• Approach challenges with a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset focused on progress, pipeline growth, and donor engagement
• Maintain an active presence on campus and in the community while contributing to a positive team culture that celebrates progress and achievement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any field of study
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in building relationships, securing philanthropic support, generating revenue, or advancing organizational goals through external engagement
• Experience leading teams and managing staff
• Ability to travel and attend events, including evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Experience in higher education advancement
• Experience working with a fiduciary or governing board
• Familiarity with Slate CRM system

Apply for the Associate Vice President for Advancement position at Truman State University online at https://trumansu.peopleadmin.com/postings/1602

About 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.