The Vice President for University Advancement of Missouri Southern State University reports to the President for university responsibilities and, upon appointment as Executive Director of the Missouri Southern Foundation, is accountable to the Foundation Board of Directors for the Foundation’s governance, operations, and fiduciary responsibilities.

As the university’s chief advancement officer, this individual leads Missouri Southern’s fundraising and external relations efforts. The Vice President for University Advancement oversees staff and programs in Development, Alumni and Donor Relations, and other units as assigned by the President, such as governmental relations.

As Executive Director of the Foundation, they report to the Foundation Board of Directors and are responsible for overseeing its business affairs, ensuring the effective stewardship of private gifts, and advancing the mission of the University.

Immersive Learning, Health and Life Sciences, and Global Education are the core pillars of Missouri Southern’s mission and identity. All MSSU employees are expected to support these three pillars. Applicants should be prepared to articulate how they would be able to contribute to these areas, understanding their importance to the institution and what we offer our students. For more information about our mission, visit our website.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Leads a comprehensive university advancement program including all fundraising activities (annual fund, major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, planned gifts, and campaigns), as well as advancement services and alumni/donor relations.
- Reviews and approves all campus fundraising activities to ensure efforts are well-coordinated and focus on the priorities of the university.
- Works closely with the President to lead community and business relations strategies and represents the University with external constituents.
- Serves on the President’s Cabinet and, in that role, represents university leadership at both campus and external events.
- Maintains a major gift prospect portfolio and works directly with the President to develop relationships, request support, and ensure effective stewardship of gifts.
- Engages in travel, primarily within the region but occasionally beyond region, to fulfill fundraising and other responsibilities.
- Ensures the development database is maintained and enriched to serve as an effective tool for alumni relations and fundraising.
- Oversees the program of alumni relations in efforts to engage alumni effectively in the life of the university.
- Provides executive oversight of the Foundation’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, investment administration, fund transfers, audits, regulatory filings, and coordination with the MSSU Business Office and external professional advisers.
- Oversees the Foundation’s investment program. This includes monitoring investment reports prepared by investment managers, income and allocation to individual accounts, and periodic evaluation of spending policies and rates.
- Ensures compliance in multiple areas, such as donor-imposed designations, scholarship restrictions, IRS policies, and state and federal statutes and laws governing nonprofit organizations.
- Oversees the execution of long-range goals and objectives set forth by the Foundation Board of Directors in a manner consistent with the goals and strategic interests of MSSU.
- Works directly with the Foundation Board of Directors to develop future plans and resolve current issues with the Foundation.
- Serves as a conduit between the University and Foundation in areas such as strategic priorities, funding requests, engagement opportunities, and efforts to support the mission of MSSU.
- Works with donors and appropriate University representatives to develop scholarship criteria and donor agreement documentation for new accounts.
- Provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for staff in Alumni Relations, Foundation and Development, and other areas assigned by the President.
- Establishes clear goals and performance expectations, promotes collaboration and accountability, and supports the recruitment and retention of a high-performing team.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
- Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training employees, planning, assigning, directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
- Other duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications and Experience

- Bachelor's degree required; master's degree and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred.
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, external relations, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or a comparable field. Senior-level leadership experience is preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the University’s insurance requirements for driving university-owned or leased vehicles.
- Demonstrated record of personally cultivating, soliciting, and closing major and principal gifts, including seven-figure or transformational philanthropic investments.
- Successful experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that achieve ambitious philanthropic goals.
- Experience with advancement technology, donor databases, fundraising analytics, and constituent relationship management systems.
- Good working knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office suite software.
- Proven ability to handle confidential and proprietary information.
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing a comprehensive or capital campaign, or leading an institution through campaign-readiness activities.
- Experience partnering effectively with presidents, governing boards, campaign volunteers, and senior institutional leaders.
- Demonstrated success building high-performing advancement organizations through talent development, fundraising accountability, prospect management, stewardship, and operational excellence.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strategic leadership and organizational change management
- Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication
- Major and principal gift strategy, solicitation, and stewardship
- Financial literacy and understanding of nonprofit governance
- Ability to work effectively with a university president, Foundation board, donors, alumni, community leaders, and volunteers
- Sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information
- Ability to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain advancement professionals
- Knowledge of advancement systems, prospect management, analytics, and fundraising performance measures
- Ability to balance institutional priorities with donor intent and Foundation fiduciary responsibilities

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle, feel or use a computer keyboard and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt (salary) staff position. The starting salary is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Subject to plan terms, eligibility requirements, and University policy, benefit options will be provided, including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, vacation and sick leave, and retirement plan options.

Notice

This job profile does not include all essential and nonessential duties of this job. All employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact Human Resources to review and discuss the essential and nonessential functions of the job. An employee with a disability can evaluate the job in greater detail to determine if they can safely perform the essential function of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nominations and Applications

Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to [email protected]. References will not be contacted until later in the search process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Missouri Southern State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.